The Meghalaya government has promised to financially support Kmoin Wahlang, the 76-year-old grandmother who has been chosen to represent India at the 13th Pan Pacific Masters Games 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia.
Wahlang met Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at the Secretariat here today.
If all goes to plan, Wahlang will leave for Australia on October 29 to participate in the 10km race at the November 1-10 event for senior citizens.
Speaking to reporters, Wahlang said that she had had doubts about whether she would be able to participate or not given that she belongs to a poor family and knowing that it would be hugely expensive to get to Australia and back again. However, today’s meeting filled her heart with happiness and has given her more encouragement to participate in this race.
“It gives me immense pride and joy to be representing my state at an international event,” she said. “Even at this age I’m selected to participate in a race in Australia is such a great joy. I thank and praise God for giving me the strength and opportunity.”
Warjri said that the government is ready to bear all the expenses for Wahlang so that she can participate.
A resident of South West Khasi Hills, Wahlang was selected following her performance in Hyderabad earlier this year where she caught the attention of the Pan India Masters Games Federation.
Over the years the septuagenarian has participated in several events such as the Pinkathon, Go Green Marathon and Mumbai Marathon, where she notably became the oldest woman participant in the full 42km marathon. She has also participated at events in Kolkata, Guwahati besides races in Meghalaya.
