The Meghalaya government plans to introduce at least one para-sports discipline in the upcoming Meghalaya Games, to be held in Jowai. In addition, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced plans to organize an Inter-Constituency Football Tournament next year, featuring 60 teams from all constituencies in the state, which will take place after the Meghalaya Games.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organized to honor the winners of the World Arm Wrestling Championship 2024, held in Moldova, the Chief Minister said, “We are happy that we will be starting at least one discipline in the para-sports. The Minister in charge of Sports has proposed that we should have two or three disciplines, similar to the Paralympics, for our friends who are physically challenged. One or two of these will be introduced in this year’s Meghalaya Games.”
The ceremony, held at the KJP Assembly Hall and organized by the Meghalaya Arm Wrestling Association, celebrated the achievements of the athletes who represented the state in Moldova.
During the event, the Chief Minister also spoke about the upcoming inter-constituency football league, stating, “You will be happy to know that the Sports Minister has proposed a football tournament, starting after the Meghalaya Games, where all 60 constituencies will compete in an inter-constituency league. This will be a massive league, promoting not just sports but also cultural exchange as different people travel across the state.”
The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri, the Director of Sports, and representatives from various sports bodies.
In his address, Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri congratulated the athletes and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the State Arm Wrestling Association.
The athletes who were felicitated included:
Senebi Syngkli (Bronze medalist in both left and right hand, women’s 55 kg Youth category)
Mihsngewbha Rymbai (Silver medalist in both left and right hand, women’s 80 kg Grandmaster category)
Starina Jasaiñ (Silver medalist in left hand, bronze medalist in right hand, women’s 60 kg Grandmaster category)
Hubert Paliar (Bronze medalist in left hand, men’s 60 kg Para Senior HI category)
Margaret Pathaw (Bronze medalist in left hand, silver medalist in right hand, women’s 60 kg Master category)
Donbor Rumnong (Gold Medalist in Mr. Asia Pacific Senior Category and Overall Men’s Physique 2024, and the first athlete from Meghalaya to receive a PROCARD to compete in Manila, Philippines)
Johnny Nongrum (Winner of the Middle Weight category in the 6th Bidang Fighting Championship)
Team India secured a total of 15 medals at the World Arm Wrestling Championship in Moldova, with 9 medals won by athletes from Meghalaya.