Mairang, July 28:A proud chapter has been written in the sporting history of Meghalaya as seven young martial artists from Mairang, Eastern West Khasi Hills District, clinched a total of seven medals at the 1st National Kun Khmer Championship 2025 held at Peddem Stadium, Mapusa, Goa, from July 25 to 27.
The team’s impressive haul includes five golds and two silvers, a testament to their dedication, discipline and growing prowess in the martial art of Kun Khmer — a traditional combat sport that has been gaining traction in India.The spotlight also falls on Hazel Christina Ripnar, the only female athlete among the group, who not only stood shoulder to shoulder with her male counterparts but also struck gold, representing Meghalaya under the banner of the Meghalaya Martial Arts Federation.The medallists include Obinas Warjri, Pynshailang Kharsyntiew, Damangpura L. Mawlong, Ialamjingshai Lyndoh Mawlong, and Hazel Christina Ripnar, who each won a gold medal, while Malvin L. Marshillong and Tailingstar Ryntathiang secured silver medals.
The remarkable achievement has brought honour not just to their hometown of Mairang, but to the entire state, inspiring a new wave of martial arts enthusiasts and solidifying Meghalaya’s presence on the national combat sports map.
As the curtains fall on the championship, the triumphant return of these young athletes is sure to ignite pride and hope across the region. Their medals are more than just victories — they are a symbol of Meghalaya’s untapped potential in martial arts and a clarion call for greater support and recognition of local talent on the national stage.
Their success also underscores the importance of grassroots training and community support in shaping sporting excellence.
With the right encouragement, infrastructure, and exposure, talents from remote districts like Mairang can rise to national prominence, proving that dedication and spirit know no geographical boundaries.The achievement has also sparked hope among local coaches and martial arts associations, who believe this milestone could pave the way for greater investment in combat sports in Meghalaya.
