Shillong, Sept 5: The second edition of the Meghalaya State Wrestling Championship has attracted around 220 wrestlers, marking a significant increase in participation as the sport continues to expand across the state.
Organised by the Wrestling Association of Meghalaya, the three-day championship brings together wrestlers from different parts of the state to compete across various weight categories in both the men’s and women’s sections.
The men’s competition features weight categories ranging from 57 kg to 125 kg, while the women’s events cover categories from 50 kg to 70 kg. The championship provides wrestlers with an important platform to test themselves against the best available competition in the state while gaining valuable competitive experience.
The increased participation is particularly significant as Meghalaya prepares to host the National Games in 2027. With the state looking to strengthen its sporting contingent ahead of the multi-sport event, the championship is expected to play a role in identifying and nurturing wrestlers capable of competing at a higher level.
Participation has risen considerably since the inaugural Meghalaya State Wrestling Championship in 2025, which featured around 147 wrestlers representing nine districts. The jump to approximately 220 registered competitors this year reflects the growing reach of wrestling and the increasing number of athletes taking up the sport across Meghalaya.
The state has also started making its mark on the national wrestling scene. Juh Pa U Juh Nongtdu became the first wrestler from Meghalaya to win a national-level medal when he secured bronze in the 60 kg Greco-Roman category at the 2026 Khelo India Tribal Games.
His achievement has provided an important boost to wrestling in the state and demonstrated the potential of Meghalaya’s wrestlers to compete successfully beyond the state level.
Against this backdrop, the second State Wrestling Championship assumes added importance. Besides providing an avenue for competition, the event offers coaches and officials an opportunity to assess emerging talent and identify wrestlers who could form part of Meghalaya’s preparations for the National Games 2027.
With around 220 wrestlers taking part, the championship represents another step forward for a sport that has witnessed growing participation in Meghalaya over the past year and could provide the foundation for a stronger state wrestling programme in the years ahead.
