SHILLONG:
The picturesque setting of Malki forest was the venue for cycling to make its debut at the 4th Meghalaya Games 2022 on Wednesday.
A pleasant trek, which greets you with birdcalls and sunlight glittering through trees takes you to the venue. The path was slippery, due to recent rains which made it challenging for the riders but the track has been designed in a way to keep things interesting.
The Meghalaya Cycling Association, one of the most active new sports bodies in the state, has taken up the responsibility of popularising the sport.
Wednesday’s events consisted of junior boys and women’s cross country with downhill hardtail, more exciting events will be witnessed on Thursday.
Elsewhere, in the pleasant surroundings of the Crinoline Swimming Pool, three swimming events were concluded with Alyzza M Lyngdoh of East Khasi Hills storming to victory in the women’s 100m freestyle in a time of 1 minute, 29.35 seconds, nearly half a minute ahead of the silver medalist. Khrawkupar Lyngdoh of South West Khasi Hills took first place in the men’s 200m breaststroke (3:20.87) and won the men’s 200m freestyle final as well (2:48.41).
Athletics began today and several results in javelin were declared, with Bonabenshor Syiemlieh taking gold for West Khasi Hills in the U-16 boys’ event with a throw of 40.32 metres. East Garo Hills claimed both silver and bronze, through Nokkim Momin and Salchira R Sangma respectively.
Garo Hills took the honours in the U-18 girls’ javelin, with North Garo Hills taking gold and silver through Senitha G Momin (24.57m) and Silanchi M Sangma respectively, while Walrimchi R Marak bagged bronze for South Garo Hills.
In the women’s 10,000m, Kyntimon Marwein of South West Khasi Hills bagged gold with a time of 41 minutes, 59.64 seconds beating out Darishisha Iangjuh (East Khasi Hills) and Bandasharai Marwein (SWKH). The Men’s event was won by Hepstarli Lyngkhoi (SWKH), ahead of Kresstarjune Pathaw (WKH) and Belin Dkhar (West Jaintia Hills).
The debut of weightlifting in the games saw seven gold medals being handed out – Ibanrihun Maring (55kg women), Ibalaiohkhamtilut Nawsaw (64kg women), Banteilang Marwein (55kg men), Maxcarelius Ryndongsngi (61kg men), Anas Ryndongsngi (67kg men), Edilbert Ryndongsngi (90kg men) and Donald Rymbai (110kg men).
In tennis, rain played spoilsport on the clay court surface at Shillong Club, though play was able to resume in the evening under lights.
In the U-16 boys’tennis quarterfinals,which was played in a first to 9 format, Harsh Singhania beat Amit Ram in a tiebreaker 9-8, while Enrick Suchiang defeated Ryan Kharkongor 9-0. Ishan Rawat and Rakshit Bajaj won via walkovers. In the men’s singles, Sanjeev Chettri beat Enrick Suchiang 9-2, Macdonald Thabah won 9-4 against Feniedee Rymmai, Keane Marbaniang won 9-5 against Keane Marbaniang and Joplut Kharbuli won 9-6 over Wankhraw W Nongrum.
In basketball, West Khasi Hills will meet East Khasi Hills in the women’s final at 3pm on Thursday at the NEIGRIHMS Indoor Stadium, while Ri-Bhoi will take on EKH in the men’s title match at 4:30pm.
Ri-Bhoi knocked out 2020 champions West Khasi Hills in the first men’s semifinal 53-33. EKH men then defeated West Jaintia Hills 71-45, while, earlier, the EKH women were 70-12 victors over WJH women. The other women’s semifinal saw defending champions WKH defeat Ri-Bhoi by 63 points to 22.
Finally, in football, EKH blazed past South West Garo Hills 8-0 in their women’s quarterfinal at Mawlai Madan Heh. WKH defeated Ri-Bhoi 2-0 and West Garo Hills pipped Eastern West Khasi Hills 1-0.
In the men’s competition, at SAI, Ri-Bhoi registered a 5-1 win over SWKH, while WJH defeated East Garo Hills 3-0. East Jaintia Hills then required a penalty shootout (5-4) to beat North Garo Hills after full time ended 1-1.
Other events that began today were karate and table tennis at the SAI Indoor Training Centre. It was also announced that multiple World Cup, Asian Championships and World Championships archer, Atanu Das, will be present for the final day of the archery events.