Nongstoin, Aug 26: The 41st Meghalaya State Badminton Championship 2026 got underway at the Indoor Stadium in Nongstoin on Wednesday, with 245 players competing across 22 events.
Organised by the West Khasi Hills District Badminton Association in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, and the Meghalaya State Badminton Association, the four-day championship will run from August 26 to 29.
The tournament has attracted 182 male and 63 female players, with 396 entries registered across the 22 events. A total of 363 matches are scheduled to be played across three courts during the championship.
Players representing various districts and badminton associations across the state are taking part. The participating units include East Garo Hills (12 players), East Khasi Hills (46), Eastern West Khasi Hills (16), North Garo Hills (11), RBBA (19), South West Garo Hills (5), South West Khasi Hills (35), West Garo Hills (21), West Jaintia Hills (31), West Khasi Hills (36) and YTBC (13).
The championship was formally inaugurated in the presence of Hema Nayak, Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills, who attended as the Chief Guest.
Also present at the inaugural programme were B. Syiem, District Sports Officer; T. Diengngan, President of the West Khasi Hills District Badminton Association; Dr. Lumbor Mawsor, Senior Vice President; S. Masar, Vice President; B. Marwein, General Secretary, along with other officials, dignitaries and members of the badminton fraternity.
The dignitaries emphasised the importance of promoting sports at the grassroots level and creating opportunities for young athletes to compete at the state level. The championship provides players from across Meghalaya with an opportunity to showcase their skills, gain valuable competitive experience and strive for excellence.
With 22 events scheduled over the four-day championship, action will continue at the Indoor Stadium in Nongstoin before the tournament concludes on August 29.
