Tura, Jan 15: In a celebration of tradition and the relentless pursuit of sporting excellence, the torch relay ceremony for the 5th edition of the Meghalaya Games reached the finishing line marking the official inauguration of the Meghalaya Games 2024, in Tura.
Among the glittering sports personalities, in another first for the games, Robert Kabbas, former Australian Weightlifting Olympian, was in the city to observe Weightlifting performances and benchmarks of Meghalaya Weightlifting athletes. He also participated in the torch relay on Monday morning, before the final illumination at the inaugural ceremony, that marked the presence of President of India, Droupadi Murmu.
Sharing his experience, Robert Kabbas, stated, “I am honored and pleased to be at the 5th Meghalaya Games. This is my 3rd time in Meghalaya but first time in Tura. I am very impressed by the organization of the Games and looking forward to be a part of it, particularly the Elite Pathway Program by the Government.”
The torch relay, symbolizing the state’s collective spirit and preparation for the games, was flagged off by Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Shakliar Warjri, from SSA Stadium in Shillong on January 9, 2024.
Meghalaya Games 2024 was officially inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and other dignitaries on Monday evening. The event serves as a platform to display the sporting prowess of the state, symbolizing unity and harmony among the people of Meghalaya.
Promoting unity, inclusivity, diversity, community engagement, cultural exchange, the torch marked the preservation of traditional arts of Khasis, Jaintias along with the Garos. It creates a shared cultural space that goes beyond the realm of sports, contributing to the overall social cohesion and harmony of Meghalaya. The torch transcends cultural, linguistic, and tribal differences. As the torch passed through various districts before reaching the PA Sangma Stadium at Tura, it carried the essence of shared aspirations and collective pride, reinforcing the idea that despite diversity, Meghalaya stands united in its pursuit of sporting excellence.
Starting its journey from SSA Stadium in Shillong on January 9, 2024, the torch traversed a route through Ummulong to Ladthadlaboh in West Jaintia Hills. The torch’s path covered various districts, carrying the essence of shared aspirations and collective pride, reinforcing the idea that despite diversity, Meghalaya stands united in its pursuit of sporting excellence.
Touching Ummulong, the torch embarked on its expedition through the Eastern West Hills district route of Mot Tirot Singh, passing through Pyndengumiong to Ummawlein, until it reached the DC office, Mairang. Subsequently, the torch was passed on to Metbah Lyngdoh, MLA Mairang, former speaker of Meghalaya Assembly, and athletes who continued towards Nongstoin. On January 12th, the torch was received by the Deputy Commissioner, West Khasi Hills, traveling through Anderson School to Nonbah.
Notable among the torchbearers was Biningstar Lyngkhoi, an international athlete from Sakwang village, South West Khasi Hills. Having participated in 18 international marathons, Lyngkhoi won a bronze medal in the South Asian Games, Colombo, 2006, and stood 8th in the Commonwealth Games, 2010. He concluded his leg of the relay in Williamnagar, East Garo Hills.
The torch’s journey continued, passing through Jowai, Mairang, Nongstoin, and Williamnagar before reaching Tura. Sylvia G Momin, a shining star of Garo Hills, carried the torch from East Garo Hills to West Garo Hills, symbolizing the passing of the torch to the host city, Tura. Sylvia, hailing from Chandmary, Tura, has participated in various sports events such as the North East Sports Meet and the Meghalaya athletic meet.
On its final lap crossing the West Garo Hills of Tura, the torch was carried by Simeon Marak, who represented Meghalaya in Northeast Olympics, at the P.A. Sangma Stadium during the inauguration ceremony with anticipation for the grand success of the upcoming Meghalaya Games, and the spirit of the State, celebrating athleticism, unity, and youth empowerment.
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