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Shillong, Aug 13, Southwest Khasi Hills stayed steady under pressure to top the Meghalaya State Archery Championship 2026, finishing with 25 medals as the 3-day event wrapped up today at the SAI Centre, NEHU campus.
Organised by the Archery Association of Meghalaya, the championship drew more than 200 archers and officials from all 12 districts. SWKH led after the Indian Round on Day 2 and added 12 more medals in compound and recurve to close on 8 gold, 10 silver and 7 bronzes.
Host district East Khasi Hills made the biggest jump on the final day, climbing from fifth to second with 7 gold, 7 silver and 4 bronzes. West Khasi Hills took third with a balanced 6 gold, 6 silver, 6 bronze.
Ri-Bhoi finished fourth on 4-2-4. East Jaintia Hills edged East Garo Hills for fifth, 3-3-3 to 3-2-3.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla was the chief guest. He spent nearly three hours on the range and praised the precision shown by young archers.
“No one district dominated. That shows the sport is growing across Meghalaya,” Shylla said. He thanked AAM for developing archery statewide and for preparing teams for the 39th National Games 2027, which Meghalaya will host.
Shylla credited the Chief Minister for prioritising sports, noting the department’s budget has risen from Rs 70 crore to Rs 844 crore in seven years. He also highlighted the state’s direct job appointment policy for successful athletes.
The support is showing results. At the 1st Khelo India Tribal Games earlier this year, Meghalaya finished 13th and is aiming for the Top 5 next year. Archery led with 2 gold and 1 bronze — the only sport where the state won gold.
Also present were MSOA General Secretary Finely L Pariat, MSOA Joint Secretary P Laloo and senior AAM members.
