Shillong, Aug 14: South West Khasi Hills emerged as the best-performing district at the Meghalaya State Archery Championship 2026, finishing with 25 medals as the three-day competition concluded at the Sports Authority of India centre on the NEHU campus on Thursday.
The district topped the overall standings with eight gold, 10 silver and seven bronze medals after maintaining its lead from the Indian Round competitions on the second day and carrying the momentum into the compound and recurve events on the final day.
More than 200 archers and officials representing all 12 districts of Meghalaya took part in the championship, organised by the Archery Association of Meghalaya.
South West Khasi Hills added 12 medals on the final day to secure the top position.
East Khasi Hills produced the biggest climb in the standings on the final day. The host district moved from fifth to second after a strong showing in the concluding events, finishing with seven gold, seven silver and four bronze medals.
West Khasi Hills occupied third position with six gold, six silver and six bronze, while Ri-Bhoi finished fourth with four gold, two silver and four bronze medals.
East Jaintia Hills claimed fifth place with three gold, three silver and three bronze medals, narrowly finishing ahead of East Garo Hills, which also won three gold and three bronze medals but had two silver.
The final day’s proceedings were attended by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, who spent nearly three hours watching the competition and praised the precision and skill displayed by the young archers.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Shylla said the closely contested nature of the championship was encouraging, noting that no single district had dominated the competition.
He credited the Archery Association of Meghalaya for its efforts to promote and develop the sport across the state and praised the association as one of the most active sporting bodies involved in preparations for the 39th National Games, which Meghalaya will host in 2027.
Shylla also highlighted the state government’s increased focus on sports development. According to the minister, the budget of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department has risen from Rs 70 crore to Rs 844 crore over the past seven years.
He said the increased allocation would enable the government to provide greater support to sports associations and athletes. He also pointed to the government’s approval of a direct job appointment policy for successful athletes, aimed at providing additional encouragement and career opportunities to those excelling in their respective disciplines.
The minister said the increased focus on sports was already producing results. Referring to Meghalaya’s performance at the inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games earlier this year, he noted that the state finished 13th overall and has set its sights on breaking into the top five next year.
Archery was Meghalaya’s only gold-medal winning discipline at the Khelo India Tribal Games, with the state’s archers securing two gold and one bronze medal.
Among those present at the closing ceremony were Meghalaya State Olympic Association General Secretary Finely L Pariat, Joint Secretary P Laloo and senior members of the Archery Association of Meghalaya.
