The 11th Meghalaya State Shooting Championship 2026 concluded after a six-day run at the Assam Regimental Centre in Shillong.
The championship brought together shooters from across the state to compete in a wide range of events, reaffirming Meghalaya’s growing sporting culture in the shooting discipline.
The championship also served as an important milestone in the state’s preparations for the 39th National Games 2027, which Meghalaya is slated to host.
As one of the key events on the state’s sporting calendar this year, the championship provided shooters a competitive platform to sharpen their skills and gain valuable exposure ahead of the National Games.
This edition of the championship saw strong participation and represented one of the largest gatherings of shooters in the state’s competitive history.
Altogether 128 shooters ftom six districts took part in the championship which featured 68 events.
The 2026 edition showcased the sport’s appeal across generations, with a remarkable 52-year age gap between its oldest and youngest competitors.
John Kharshiing, aged 64 (Senior Masters – Pistol, 25 metres) was the oldest participant while Kerdaiai Syiemlieh, aged 12 (Air Rifle, 10 metres) was the youngest.
Their participation stood as a testament to the sport’s inclusive spirit, bringing together seasoned veterans and rising young talent on the same range.
Venue
The Assam Regimental Centre in Shillong once again played host to the championship, providing the facilities and infrastructure necessary to run a multi-day, multi-event competition of this scale.
The championship concluded with a final prize distribution ceremony held on Sunday, felicitating the winners across the various events.
In his welcome address, John F. Kharshiing, President of the Shooting Association of Meghalaya, spoke of the championship’s role in building a lasting shooting legacy for the state and expressed optimism about Meghalaya’s preparations for the National Games 2027.
Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, attended as the chief guest and presented awards and honours to the top-performing shooters.
In his remarks, he highlighted discipline, focus, and precision as qualities that would serve Meghalaya’s athletes well as the state builds toward a stronger presence on the national sporting stage.
He also shared the welcome news that the Government has resolved to build an Integrated Shooting Range, envisioned as a lasting legacy for the sport in Meghalaya.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Neil Sootinck, General Secretary of the Shooting Association of Meghalaya, acknowledged the talent emerging from every district of the state and reiterated the association’s commitment to giving that talent a stronger platform going forward.
He also extended his gratitude to the various stakeholders who contributed to the championship’s success, including the athletes, their parents, coaches, and the staff of the Assam Regimental Centre.