Shillong, Feb 6: Meghalaya won its first gold medal at the 38th National Games in Utttarakhand today, with Vikash Rana (pictured left) finishing first in his men’s kayaking event.
The state also added a second silver, claimed by Elizabeth Vincent (pictured right), in women’s kayaking.
Meghalaya has now won 1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals, all of which were in watersports. Indeed, four have come in canoeing & kayaking and one in rowing. (Catch up on the state’s successes in the past two days here and here.) At the time of filing this report Meghalaya has moved up to 25th in the medals table, behind Gujarat and ahead of Telangana.
Both Vikash’s and Elizabeth’s category was kayak cross in the extreme slalom event.
A stunning performance by the Meghalaya Canoe Association has seen all four of their athletes win medals at the Games.
“On behalf of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association I wish to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Meghalaya Canoe Association under the able leadership of Ian and Sheela Vincent for the sacrifice and dedication to promote our athletes,” MSOA General Secretary Finely L Pariat said. “It’s no mean feat to score 100 percent where four athletes took part and all got medals, especially their own daughter Elizabeth, who won silver.”
In a video released today, the state government praised the passion and dedication of the athletes and MCA but also took credit for providing grants for 20 athletes to undergo training with top-level equipment and national exposure, etc.
Something has obviously gone right to give Meghalaya this success in what is a peripheral adventure sport.
Meanwhile, yesterday the Chief Minister announced that Pynshngain Kurbah, who won Meghalaya’s first medal at this edition of the National Games, will be given a government job as a reward. We haven’t yet heard what the other medallists will receive.
(Photos contributed)
