Jowai, Jan 25: A spectacle of sportsmanship and vibrant culture marked the culmination of sixth edition of Meghalaya Games at Kiang Nangbah Football Stadium in Jowai on Saturday.
The week-long extravaganza witnessed commendable participation of over 3500 athletes coming from across the state in 29 sports disciplines.
East Khasi Hills district led the medal tally with 381 medals – 149 gold, 105 silver and 127 bronze – followed by host district as first runner-up West Jaintia Hills with 108 medals, and Ri-Bhoi as second runner-up bagging 104 medals.
While athletes created new records at the Games, the Games itself set new milestones with highest ever participation of 3500 athletes and highest number of 29 sporting events including four demonstration sports.
For the first time, seven para-athletes took part in the Games expressing their grit and determination. Interestingly, in the words of John F Kharshiing,“95% of the athletes from Garo Hills experienced West Jaintia Hills for the first time during the 6th Meghalaya Games, 2025.”
Meghalaya Games mascot ‘U Kiang’, the clouded leopard, with its ‘roar’ added more joy and thrill to the crowd while the theme song “Niom Beit Naphang” touched many hearts.
Some unique stories have unfolded during the Meghalaya Games – inclusion of An’ding Oka in three traditional games played by 87 players; story of Banshanlang Khyllait whose entire family is into cycling and pedalling; vision of best under-17 football player Sanfida Nongrum who trains hard to represent the country; determination of Meghalaya Sport Climbing and Mountaineering Association’s head coach Wallambok Lyngdoh who trained and helped U-16 players receive accolades in different events representing Meghalaya.
Meanwhile, deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said, “We’re proud to say we’re fit to host the National Games.”
Construction of Mawkhanu football stadium, set to be India’s largest, will make Meghalaya the soccer capital of India, he added.
He also claimed significant growth in sporting infrastructure with increase in sports budget under the MDA government.
Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla recalled how Jowai defeated the apprehension expressed by some quarters about its preparedness when it was selected to be the host the Games.
Meghalaya State Olympic Association president John F Kharshiing highlighted the progress made by Meghalaya Games, growing from 14 sports disciplines in 2020 to 25 disciplines plus 4 demo sports in 2025.
