By Our Reporter
Shillong, March 29: The inaugural ALTUS Badminton Prize Money Tournament 2026 concluded on a high note at Glade’s Sports Arena, Mawroh, after two days of thrilling matches that showcased the region’s rising talent. Organised by ALTUS Badminton Academy, the event drew young athletes eager to test their skills across Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 categories in both singles and doubles formats, with a total of 88 matches played.
Several standout performances were recorded over the two days. Lateisha Nongtraw emerged as a dominant force, clinching titles in both the Under-13 and Under-15 Girls Singles events. Across categories, participants impressed with their discipline, technique, and competitive spirit. The winners of the 1st ALTUS Badminton Prize Money Tournament 2026 included Ian Chettri Kamei, who claimed the Under-11 Girls Singles title with Eviana K Momin finishing as runner-up, while Dasan Marbaniang won the Under-11 Boys Singles, defeating runner-up Ethaneal Dkhar. In the Under-13 Girls Doubles, Anosa K Momin and Eviana K Momin emerged victorious, beating Rohi Barua and Hazel Phanwar, while the Under-13 Boys Doubles title went to Donato Marak and Arup Baishya, who defeated Meshan Lyndem and Jayden Toi Marbaniang.
Lateisha Nongtraw won the Under-13 Girls Singles, overcoming Tezayah B Jyrwa, and Jayden Toi Marbaniang claimed the Under-13 Boys Singles, with Abraham as runner-up.
In the Under-15 category, Haphi Massar and Lateisha Nongtraw won the Girls Doubles title, defeating Ehma Sangma and Anosa K Momin, while Elmo Marak and Sixbirth Marak took the Boys Doubles crown, beating Haegan Diengdoh and Abraham. Lateisha Nongtraw also triumphed in the Under-15 Girls Singles, with Haphi Massar finishing second, and Haegan Diengdoh secured the Under-15 Boys Singles title, defeating Sixbirth Marak.
Special awards for the most promising players were presented to Ezariah K D Dkhar for the boys and Gianna Warlarpih for the girls.
The tournament provided an important platform for budding shuttlers, reflecting the growing interest in structured badminton competitions in Meghalaya.
The successful completion of the event underlines the region’s growing badminton ecosystem and sets the stage for future editions aimed at further promoting the sport at the grassroots level.
