East Khasi Hills emerged overall champion at the State Level Inter-School Athletics Meet 2026, which concluded at the SAI STC Shillong, NEHU Campus, on Friday.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla lauded the athletes for their spirit and stressed that values matter more than medals.
“While winning medals may be temporary, discipline, character and sportsmanship will remain with you throughout your lives,” he told participants.
Shylla said he was encouraged by stronger performances from districts beyond East Khasi Hills. He noted that under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the government has “significantly expanded sports facilities across Meghalaya” despite past infrastructural gaps.
“Artificial athletic tracks have already been developed in Shillong and Wahiajer, while similar projects are underway in Tura, Mawkyrwat, Baghmara and other districts,” the minister said.
“The government’s aim is to ensure that every district has proper sports infrastructure to help young athletes train and showcase their talents.”
Underscoring the scale of investment, Shylla said, “The annual budget of the Sports Department, which stood at nearly Rs 40 crore seven years ago, has now increased to Rs 844 crore. This has enabled us to improve facilities, accommodation, sports gear and youth programmes across the state.”