SHILLONG, July 19: After nine days of travelling across the five districts of Garo Hills, the state talent identification testing program rolled out by the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) with the support of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Govt of Meghalaya and implemented by Edge10 Group led by Australian Olympian in Triple Jump (1980 Moscow Olympics) Ian Campbell, the testing team, through a statement, said that they have identified several talents comparable to ‘elite’ international athletes of Australia.
A total of ten boys and six girls ranging from 13-17 years of age displayed exceptional speed and performance in the four tests (20 metre sprint, 10 metre ladder run, compass drill agility, and vertical jump).
Speaking on the potential of the other young candidates, Campbell said they would require close monitoring training and coaching for 4 to 6 weeks after which a review may be conducted to rework their outputs.
On July 9, officials of the MSOA, Edge10 and DSYA had conducted tests in Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills District, where similar talents were discovered. The team is currently on its way to the remaining districts of Khasi and Jaintia Hills (July 20 at Mairang, July 21 at Nongstoin, July 22 at Nongpoh, July 23 at Jowai, July 25 at Khliehriat, and July 26-29 at St Anthony’s HSS, Shillong).
On completion of the talent identification program, Edge10 Group will submit a detailed analytical report and pathway recommendations for the top performers from the program.
