Shillong, Mar 2: The Water Sports Festival 2026 was held on 28th February at Shnongpdeng village on the Umngot River as part of the golden jubilee celebration commemorating 50 years of Amlarem civil sub-division.
The festival featured boating, swimming, water polo and deep water competitions.
The event was organised by the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer in collaboration with Seng Samla Shnongpdeng Cultural & Sports Club and the District Sports Office of West Jaintia Hills.
In her speech, the SDO, Vevotolu Kezo, stated that the festival marks the first of a series of programmes planned throughout the golden jubilee year until November 2026. She said that such initiatives promote sports culture, tourism potential and collaboration between the local community and government institutions. She informed that upcoming activities will include sports events, marathons, awareness programmes under various departments, competitions and tourism-related initiatives.
Other dignitaries included cabinet minister and Amlarem MLA Lahkmen Rymbui, civil servants, the Daloi, Rangbah Shnong of Shnongpdeng and Lamba, officials from the Amlarem Sports Association, village authorities and members of the public.
Results:
Boating (Men): Broken Syngkrem (1st, Rs 10,000 prize money), Ong Pohktai (2nd, Rs 7,000), Bakynsai Lamin (3rd, Rs 5,000)
Boating (Women): Bethania Lamin (1st, Rs 10,000), Jesica Lamin (2nd, Rs 7,000), Rebeca Lamin (3rd, Rs 5,000)
Swimming (Junior Boys): John Paul Ryngksai (1st, Rs 5,000), Nobleson Syngkrem (2nd, Rs 3,000), Nangkiew Sumer (3rd, Rs 2,000)
Swimming (Women): Labilon Khongmuloh (1st, Rs 5,000), Darabakorbha Syngkrem (2nd, Rs 3,000), Arwakamni Syngkrem (3rd, Rs 2,000)
Swimming (Men Senior): Hamdiyam Pohtam (1st, Rs 7,000), Embok Lymba (2nd, Rs 5,000), Tourist Ryngksai (3rd Rs 3,000)
Deep Water Competition: Tai Phrangkori Khongmuloh (1st, Rs 5,000), Carnelious Rymbai (2nd, Rs 3,000), Rubenchel Lamin (3rd, Rs 2,000)
Water Polo: Frank Adventure (Champions, Rs 15,000), Royal United (Runners-up, Rs 10,000)
(Photo contributed)