By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 20: The 35th Annual State Armwrestling Championship, held in conjunction with the 3rd PARA Armwrestling Championship 2026, drew to a close on a high note after an action-packed five-day competition at Seng Khasi College here, underlining the rapid rise of the sport across Meghalaya.
Organised by the Meghalaya Arm Wrestling Association (MAWA), the event witnessed participation from more than 500 athletes representing districts and clubs from across the state. The total footfall, including spectators, was estimated at around 800, with participants from Garo Hills putting up particularly noteworthy performances.
MAWA publicity secretary Sumita Kshiar noted that the scale of participation and the competitive intensity on display highlighted the growing discipline and potential among armwrestlers in the state..
Based on their performances, over 90 athletes have earned selection to represent Meghalaya at the National Armwrestling Championship 2026, scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from May 29 to June 2.
The championship featured intense contests across categories. In the women’s section, Bandarika Kharkongor of Hynniewtrep Sports & Cultural Club, East Khasi Hills, stamped her authority by clinching the ‘Champion of Champions’ title in both left- and right-hand events.
In the men’s division, 19-year-old Jimmison Marwein from South West Khasi Hills delivered a standout showing, defeating 14-time state champion Alan Sun Marbaniang to secure the ‘Champion of Champions’ title in both hands. He also went on to claim the Youth Boys Champion of Champions crown.
Olivia Dkhar of East Jaintia Hills emerged as the top performer in the youth girls’ category, winning the Champion of Champions title in both hands.The PARA categories too saw impressive performances. In the PID Sitting category, Graham Jones Kharbani and Prisca Pyngrope claimed top honours in the men’s and women’s sections respectively, winning in both hands. In the Para Standing division, Hubert Paliar (men’s right) and Alexander Lyngdoh (men’s left) secured victories, while Sinity Lutmon Kympat dominated the women’s category in both hands.
Among other winners, Da-i-ne Shisha Makdoh (Sub-junior Female – Right), Alvin Rapsang (Sub-junior Male – Left), Jubanskhem Marwein (Sub-junior Male – Right), Victoria Nongshli (Junior Female – Both Hands), Fredrick Banshan Rynjah (Junior Male – Right), and Damewanhi Kharjana (Junior Male – Left) also impressed in their respective divisions.
In the masters segment, Margret Pathaw (Master Female), Mihsngewbha Rymbai (Grandmaster Female), Banbatjuban Khongwir (Master Male – Right), Baniaikyrsoi Khongwir (Master Male – Left), and Everson Thangkhiew (Grandmaster Male – Both Hands) emerged victorious.South West Khasi Hills District was adjudged the Most Disciplined Team for its exemplary conduct throughout the tournament.
In the overall standings, Sunsen Power Gym Club finished on top, followed by Ri Bhoi District and Roydapbiang Gym in second place, while West Khasi Hills District secured third position.
