Shillong, Sep 13: The 1st True North Open Swimming Competition and Masters Meet came to a close on Saturday at the True North Leisure Centre facility in Lapalang here.
The two-day event brought together swimmers from around the state and across ages, right from 6 years old on up. In all, more than 100 events – both individual and relay – were held.
The chief guest on the concluding day was the Rajya Sabha MP for Meghalaya, Shri James PK Sangma, who gave away the Best Swimmer prizes.
The young swimming talents ranged in age from the Category 1 Best Swimmers Theodore J Ch Marak (male) and Hanania E Kharkongor (female) to the Senior Category male Best Swimmer Banpynshngain Syngwan, who ended with a rich haul of gold medals.
Other swimmers included Verem Gedaliah Nongsiej, who won a bronze medal for Meghalaya 1st Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 in March this year. She swam under the True North banner and was the Best Swimmer (female) in Category 4.
One of the most inspiring moments of the day was a demonstration by para swimmer Iarapborlang Chyne. Having endured quadruple amputations after an accident, Iarapborlang has been undergoing rehabilitation at the PMR Centre in Laban and has begun training as a para sprinter. He has also recently taken up swimming and had just seven lessons at True North before getting into the pool yesterday where he completed an entire lap (25 metres) doing the backstroke to a thunderous round of applause.
It was a deeply emotional moment for all those privileged enough to witness it and it demonstrated how important True North is not just in terms of being a place to have fun and relax but also to learn important, life-changing skills and live a healthier life.
Best Swimmer awardees:
Category 1 – Theodore J Ch Marak (male), Hanania E Kharkongor (female)
Category 2 – Issac FC Kharsati & Asher W Lyngdoh (male), Naphisa D Ksoo (female)
Category 3 – Ezra A Khonglam (male), Ira N Wahlang (female)
Category 4 – Meiaipynsan Lyngdoh Tron (male), Verem G Nongsiej (female)
Category 5 – Elhanan J Kharwar (male), Tvisha Jalewa (female)
Category 6 – Shaun M Diengdoh (male)
Senior – Banpynshngain Syngwan (male)
Best Swimmer awardees (Masters):
Category A – William Sangma (male), Glarcenda Z Wahlang (female)
Category B – Rimiki Lyngdoh (male), Mebashisha L Lyngdoh (female)
Category C – Ardonister Lyngdoh (male), Gracia M Diengdoh (female)
Category D – Robert Lyngdoh (male)
Category E – Mario Hek (male), Merry S Syiem (female)
Category F – Keith R Syiemlieh (male)
