South West Khasi Hills triumphs with double gold at 6th Meghalaya Games

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 24, 2025

The South West Khasi Hills District proudly secured two gold medals in sport climbing at the 6th Meghalaya Games, 2025, held at Kiang Nangbah Indoor Sports Hall.The event marked a significant milestone for sport climbing, now recognized as a full-fledged competition.

Medal Tally:

• South West Khasi Hills: 2 Gold
• East Khasi Hills: 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze
• West Jaintia Hills: 1 Gold, 1 Bronze
• East Garo Hills: 2 Bronze
• South Garo Hills: 1 Silver

In the Speed Climbing under-16 girls’ category, Naphika Sungoh from West Jaintia Hills clinched the top rank, followed by Chitea N. Marak from South Garo Hills in second place. Dadapbiang Lyngdoh and Mebalaai Shisha Tham from East Khasi Hills secured the third and fourth positions, respectively.

For the under-16 boys, Givensamson Lyngdoh from South West Khasi Hills emerged victorious. Bhabok Nongkhlaw from East Khasi Hills claimed the second rank, while Ayush Ch. Momin from East Garo Hills and Lurshai Nongkhlaw from East Khasi Hills took the third and fourth places.

Wallambok Lyngdoh, General Secretary and Head Coach of the Meghalaya Sport Climbing and Mountaineering Association, expressed gratitude to the government and the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) for recognizing sport climbing. He reminisced about his struggles as a former climber, highlighting the improved facilities available today, leading to numerous medalists. He credited the grants and sponsorships from the government and associations for supporting athletes in various competitions, including the North-East Zone Championship.

Lyngdoh’s pride in the recognition of sport climbing at international events, such as the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and Paris Olympics 2024, was evident. “We are very lucky to have a climbing wall now, resulting in lots of medalists,” he stated, reflecting on his training days with limited facilities.