Shillong, Oct 28: Amateur golfer Washington N. Marak of Williamnagar in East Garo Hills is setting his sights on the 39th National Games after achieving a single-digit handicap, a significant milestone in his golfing journey.
Marak is currently representing East Garo Hills and the wider Garo Hills region at the IIM Season 17 Tournament in Shillong. The competition is his second amateur golf tournament in Meghalaya.
The golfer credited his progress to the encouragement and support of Marcuise N. Marak, a minister in the Meghalaya government, the Tura Golfers Association and his coach, Johnwell G. Momin.
Marak said his immediate goal was to qualify for the National Games and represent Meghalaya at the national level, describing it as an opportunity to bring recognition to his home district.
However, he also expressed concerns about objections he claimed to have faced from some members of Shillong’s golfing fraternity over his background and profession.
Marak maintained that a golfer’s opportunities should be determined by talent, discipline, integrity and performance rather than social or professional background.
“My background should never define my limits. My dedication, performance and respect for the game should speak for themselves,” he said.
He also urged tournament organisers and the concerned committees to look into complaints of alleged cheating and rule violations at some golf tournaments in Shillong.
According to Marak, complaints should be investigated impartially, with appropriate disciplinary action taken wherever violations are established. He stressed that any penalties should be proportionate to the offence and consistent with the applicable tournament rules.
Emphasising the importance of sportsmanship and fair competition, Marak said transparent procedures and consistent enforcement of regulations were essential to maintaining the credibility of golf tournaments in Meghalaya.
Beyond his personal ambitions, Marak expressed hope that his participation would help popularise golf in the Garo Hills and encourage more people from the region to take up the sport.
He thanked those who had supported him throughout his golfing journey and said he remained committed to improving his game while contributing to the growth of golf in Meghalaya.
