Shillong Arm Fight 2023, All India Arm Wrestling Championship concluded in Shillong this evening at U Soso Tham Auditorium. The two day all India championship saw participation from different parts of the country.
The event was organised by People’s Federation of Arm Wrestling India in collaboration with Bouncers Association of Meghalaya and Treilang Welfare Society. The event was supported and funded by Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Meghalaya.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma attended the event today and witnessed the final matches in both men and women’s categories.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister spoke at length on Government’s commitment to promote sports in the State. “In the last five years, we have made a concerted effort to promote different sports activities and have been upgrading our sports infrastructure. We have hosted several national events in the State capital like the Grandmaster Chess Tournament, which concluded yesterday,” he said.
“All India National Boxing Championship, All India Table Tennis Championship were other national level competitions which were held in Shillong. It is truly delightful to witness that Meghalaya is becoming a preferred destination for sports,” he added.
Talking on the huge talent pool in sports, he spoke about Star Programme through which sports talents are being identified and trained. “Close to 25,000 young potential children have been screened so far and this exercise is continuing as we speak. Strengths of the various youth are identified and relevant training are being imparted,” he said.
He further said that 12 super athletes have been identified through this programme, who are being given special training. “We have identified talented whose calibre are at par with international standard, however, they require certain skill set and training, so that they are able to compete in national and international events,” he said, while mentioning about a 14 year old girl from the state who is all set to break the National Record for Long Jump.”
In the men’s category Dipankar Mech from Assam, was declared as the champion of champions, while in women’s category Yogesh Choudhury from Haryana wad declared as the champion of champions.
Other categories also included matches between differently abled contestants from both men of which in the sitting category Hubert L Nonglait, Graham Jones Kharbani and Name Nangsan Kupar K Warjri came in 1st 2nd and 3rd place; from the standing category Johnborlang Pyngrope, Nihi Lamare and Marelad Kanai came in 1st, 2nd and 3rd . From the same differently abled category, among the women of the sitting category.
Winners among men of first, second and third prize in accordance with their weight include, Daniel Nongkhlaw, Hubert Paliar and Banshanlang Terang from the 55 Kg category. Nilay Sankar , Razedul Ali and Revel Born Star Snaitang from the 65 Kg category; Deepankar Mech, Jackson Lyngdoh and Alexion Roy Mylliem Umlong from the 75 Kg category; Tridip Medhi, Alan S Marbaniang and Kishore Chettri from the 85 Kg category; Bakham Maian Khongwir, Banbatjuban Khingwir and Ishan Kashyap from the 85+ Kg category.
Winners among women of first, second and third prize in accordance with their weight include,
Angelis Kharumnuid, Airikmen Shabong and Milartita Lyngdoh Nongbri frm the 50 Kg category;Bandarika Kharkongor, Senebi Syngkli and Angel Mary Mylliem Umlong from the 55 Kg category; Wandalin Syiemiong, Payal Bhommik and Olivia Dkhar from the 60 Kg category; Margareth Pathaw, Aiboklin Rina and Yimri Jagoi from the 65 Kg Category; Yogesh Chaudhury, Soram Rani and Ribasuk Lyngdoh Mawphlang from the 65+ Kg Categoy.