Meghalaya’s Umiam Lake has once again solidified its reputation as a premier destination for water sports in India. The fourth edition of the North East Regatta 2026 concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony at the Water Sports Complex, featuring over 100 elite sailors and a record-breaking prize pool of ₹10 lakh. The five-day event has not only elevated the state’s profile in the national sailing calendar but also brought international glory to the picturesque hills of Meghalaya.
The Yachting Association of India, in collaboration with the Umiam Sailing Club, organized the regatta, which featured fierce competition across multiple categories, including the ILCA 4, Optimist, 420 Mixed, and 29er classes. Serving as a crucial national ranking event and a selection platform for major international competitions like the Asian Games, the regatta attracted top-tier talent from across the globe.
Performances from the National Sailing School were particularly noteworthy, with Ankit Singh Sisodiya and Tulsi Patle clinching gold in the ILCA 4 categories. However, it was the international contingent that stole much of the spotlight. Teams from the Kedah and Malaysia Sailing Associations dominated several events, with Malaysian sailors sweeping the Optimist main fleet titles and the 420 class.
Lt Gen TSA Narayanan, vice president of the Yachting Association of India, lauded the scale of the event, noting that it remains the only sailing competition in India to offer substantial cash rewards. The regatta followed closely on the heels of the inaugural Indian Sailing League, which featured nearly 60 international competitors, further proving Umiam’s capacity to host world-class sporting events.
Beyond the competition, the event was a celebration of culture and collaboration. The closing ceremony featured vibrant performances from the chief minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program, honoring the technical committees, race officers, and logistical teams—including the Indian Army—who ensured a safe and seamless execution.
As the sails are lowered at Umiam, the success of the 2026 Regatta marks a significant milestone for Meghalaya’s tourism and sports sectors. With its unique combination of challenging sailing conditions and breathtaking scenery, the region is well on its way to becoming the recognized hub for water sports in the North East and beyond.