National Sports Day, which is held every year on August 29, was celebrated around the state.
The day marks the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, who was born on this day in 1905.
In East Jaiñtia Hills, the District Sports Officer in collaboration with the office of the Deputy Commissioner organised an open mini marathon for district residents from the old DC’s Office to Rymbai PHC and back again.
Flagged by Deputy Superintendent of Police S Paslein in the presence of the DSO, SM Rapsang, the 8km run witnessed enthusiastic participation.
In the male category, Knerlang Phawa won first prize, Rishan Meki Ryngkhlem bagged second while the third prize was claimed by Sting Phawa. In the female category, Phyrnai Kyndait was first, Rosy Sana second and Lamsuk Phawa third.
Both winners received cash prizes of Rs 7,000 each, while those who finished second took home Rs 5,000 and the third-place finishers received Rs 3,000.
Later, an exhibition volleyball match was played between East Jaintia Hills and a team from Deinchynrum at Deinchynrum Playground wherein the latter won. Prizes to the winners of the mini marathon and the volleyball match were distributed by Additional Deputy Commissioner JU Kharpuri.
National Sports Day is also celebrated to generate awareness about the importance of sports and the benefits of being physically active and at the same time to honour the contributions made by various eminent sports persons of the country.
In South West Khasi Hills, the DSO through the District Hub for Empowerment of Women organised the 3rd Inter School Mawpoiñ and Tug of War competition at Nonglang.
In the girls’ category, Hilland Presbyterian Upper Primary School won the Mawpoiñ contest 40-27 against Christian Principles Academy Secondary School of Mawkyrwat. The boys’ category was won by Modern Academy Higher Secondary School 75-38 against Christian Principles Academy.
In the tug of war, Nativity Higher Secondary School beat Jingiaseng Kynthei Mawkyrwat Presbytery HSS in the girls’ final, while the team representing the latter won the boys’ match against Nativity HSS.
There were 18 teams that participated in Mawpoiñ and eight in tug of war.
Dignitaries present were the DSO, D Syngkon, Border Area Development Officer of Ranikor A Wanbah, SWKH District Social Welfare Officer E Tariang and others.
