By Daphine Elivia Suchiang
“The strength to rise lies not in the arms alone, but in the heart that refuses to give up.”
In the quiet locality of Nongumlong, Upper Shillong, lives a young woman whose strength has echoed far beyond the hills of Meghalaya. Airikmenlang Shabong, a fourth semester Khasi major at St Anthony’s College is making waves in the world of armwrestling one grip at a time.
Originally from Wahlang, Sohiong, Airikmenlang’s journey began not in a professional arena but with a simple poster she saw on someone’s status. It was curiosity that pulled her in but passion and perseverance that carried her to the national and international stage.
Though she started out as a boxer for two years, it was armwrestling where her true potential bloomed. “The moment I stepped into this sport, doors began to open. I realised God had placed a different strength in me,” she shared.
From earning success at the nationals – from Hyderabad to Jammu and Kashmir, Nagpur to Dubai – Airikmenlang has earned over 10 prestigious medals, including multiple golds at the Asian Cup in India.
But behind every victory is a story of struggle. Coming from a humble background, financial constraints remain her biggest challenge. Yet, with unwavering support from her parents, siblings and her coach, Alansun Marbaniang of Power Gym Club, she keeps pushing boundaries.
“My dream is to bring pride to my state, my country and to make my parents proud,” she said.
Airikmenlang’s story is not just one of medals – it’s a story of grit, purpose and belief. And through her journey, she echoes a message of hope: “If others can do it, why can’t you? Stand firm, work hard and don’t give up.”
