West Jaintia Hills and East Jaintia Hills made a good showing on the first day of the athletics events at the 6th Meghalaya Games at the Wahiajer Sports Complex.
Himonki Khaii of WJH won the 100m women’s final in 13.67 seconds, while Eleven Dkhar of EJH took gold in the 800m men’s final in 2 minutes, 1.42 seconds. Rishanmeki Ryngkhlem of EJH was second in the men’s event, while Daemiryntihki Pakma claimed bronze for WJH.
The 100m women’s second place finisher was Pringchi R Marak of South Garo Hills, while Riyoka Rymbai of East Khasi Hills was third.
The winner of the 100m men’s final was Henry Yoga A Sangma of North Garo Hills in 11.15 seconds, with Renaldi Dhar of WJH second and Hopefulson Lyngdoh of West Khasi Hills third.
In the 5,000m men’s race, Daniel Lyngdoh Wahlang from EKHD secured top position with a time of 16:03.42. Kresstarjune Pathaw of SWKH and Banjoplang Wanniang from WKH claimed second and third spots after a remarkably close finish.
In the women’s category, Gloryfy Kurbah of EKH won the gold, completing the race in 20:16.21. She was followed by Balasiewdor Pathaw (SWKH) and Phyrnai Khyndait (EJH), in silver and bronze, respectively.
The high jump event saw great performances as Simeon Marak from NGH and Terang N Sangma from East Garo Hills both cleared 1.83 metres. Primus Ronghi of Ri-Bhoi secured third place. In the women’s high jump, Ri-Bhoi’s Rinalis Ingti and Anrisha Klein tied with a height of 1.51m. Jerikchi S Sangma of South Garo Hills earned the bronze.
In karate, East Khasi Hills won the women’s individual kata (Phikerbha Kharbihkhiew with the gold), men’s individual kata (Paul Danny Kharmudai with the gold), women’s team kata, men’s team kata, two women’s kumite gold and one of two men’s kumite gold medals for an utterly dominant performance. Only the men’s kumite 40kg category was claimed by a karateka from another district, namely Badondor Ryntathiang of Eastern West Khasi Hills.
In table tennis, WJH claimed three gold medals and EKH the other two. Diva Tang of WJH garnered the three gold, in the mixed doubles (with partner Eraphel Dkhar), women’s doubles (partnered by Medaihunlang Swer) and women’s singles. Rituraj Shabong bagged the two gold for EKH in men’s doubles (with Banehkupar Sancley) and men’s singles.
Laitkor Golf Course witnessed five categories in men’s golf – professionals, super seniors, seniors, mid-amateur and amateur. Johnwell G Momin and Billykid A Sangma from WGH won the gold medals in the professionals and super senior category.
However, EKH dominated the medal tally winning 11 out of 17 medals. Jason Kerchwami Passah from WJH, Amit Sukla Baidya from EKH and Anthony Hek from EKH received gold medals in amateur, mid-amateur and senior categories.
In women’s golf, Pooja Goenka and Jyoti Agarwal from EKH received gold and silver medals, respectively.
