Shillong, Nov 11: The Meghalaya Gymnastics Association celebrated young gymnasts from the state who achieved notable results in recent competitions at a function here yesterday.
After a few years of dormancy, the MGA got going again just before the Covid-19 pandemic struck, which disrupted its activities. Other struggles include gymnastics not having prominence in the state and the lack of dedicated facilities for training. Despite this, many budding gymnasts from Meghalaya won medals at these competitions that had moved online because of the pandemic.
The efforts of these juniors was recognised by the MGA yesterday at an intimate function at the Meghalaya State Olympic Association headquarters in the presence of MGA President and Chairman of the State Planning Board Lambor Malngiang, MSOA Working President John F Kharshiing, East Khasi Hills District Sports Officer OB Mawthoh and others. Also present were two gymnastics coaches from Manipur, Baleshwar Longjam Singh and K Arjun Singh, who will be spending six weeks in Shillong training gymnasts here.
Being a non-contact sport, gymnastics could restart sooner than other disciplines as Covid restrictions were eased and the youngsters practised largely at home.
“Their individual efforts bore fruit, as the MGA was able to compete in many virtual gymnastics meets organised all over India and bring laurels to our state,” the MGA General Secretary Lucy Mary Malngiang said.
Meghalaya medallists:
Online Gymnastics Invitational Meet 2021 (organised by the Achievers Gymnastics Academy, Nagpur, on 28th-29th August) – Josephine Isabel Warjri (gold, U-12, Level 1); Nathaniel Malngiang (gold, U-14, Level 1); Wandalang Magdalene (gold, U-16, Level 1); Kynjaihun Malngiang (silver, U-12, Level 1); Wansaphi Bernadette (bronze, U-10, Level 2, balancing beam); Wandalang Magdalene (silver, U-16, Level 1); Wansaphi Bernadette (gold, U-10); Raffelia (gold, U-8); Ruffina (bronze, U-8); Daniella Wahlang (silver, U-12)
Online Gymnastics Meet 2021 (organised by the JM Sports Academy, Bhubaneshwar, on 24th-25th July) – Wansaphi Bernadette (gold, U-10, Basic Level)
Virtual Gymnastics Invitational Meet (organised by the RnR Fit Gymnastics Academy, Bangalore, on 22nd-23rd May) – Bakmenhun Shangpliang (bronze, U-12, Level 1); Wandalang Magdalene (bronze, U-16, Level 1); Wansaphi Bernadette (sixth place, U-10)
Active Mantra Virtual Artistic Gymnastics Championship 2020-21 (organised by the Standard Mantra Education and Social Welfare Society, New Delhi, on 21st-24th February) – Mankhrawkupar G Nongbet (golf, U-10); Nangteibha Syiemlieh (bronze); Nathaniel Syiemlieh (bronze, U-12); Wansaphi Bernadette (gold, U-10); Sa-i Bakor Tariang (silver, U-10); Josephine Isabel Warjri (bronze, U-12)
(TSR photo)
