Shillong (Meghalaya), April 27: Mawlai Mawroh turned into a punching arena today as the State Boxing Championship 2025-26 kicked off with 105 junior and youth boxers chasing district glory and a place in Meghalaya’s National Games plans.
The four-day championship, run by the Meghalaya Boxing Association with support from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, has drawn boys and girls aged 15 to 18 from eight districts and established clubs. Bouts are split by national and international weight classes, MBA Technical Director Larry Kharpran said, noting the sport’s rapid spread from Khasi Hills to every corner of the state thanks to government backing.
Assistant Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Paia B War Nongbri, who was chief guest at the opening, called boxing a “promising sport for the state at next year’s National Games” that Meghalaya will host. He told the young fighters that the path from this ring leads to senior levels and greater heights, while stressing the need to balance school with sport. The Directorate is already supporting 45 senior boxers in training for the 2026 National Games and is ready to bring in outside coaches to sharpen the state’s talent pool.
Meghalaya State Olympic Association General Secretary Finely L Pariat, the Rangbah Shnong of Mawlai Mawroh, and district boxing officials were present as the first punches were thrown in a tournament seen as a key pipeline for the state’s medal hopes.
