Tura, Jan 18: The 5th edition of the Meghalaya Games saw traditional sports taking centre stage on Thursday as participants displayed exceptional skills in events such as Rah Moo Khrah, Wa’Pong Sika, and Mawpoin.

These three are the traditional indigenous games of the three major tribes of Meghalaya. Mawpoin is the traditional game of the Khasi Tribe, Rah Moo Khrah of the Jaintia Tribe and Wa’Pong Sika of the Garo Tribe. The fifth edition of Meghalaya Games has created history by introducing these traditional games, which otherwise is organised on the lines of Olympics where potential talents are scouted, which can be groomed to represent the State in the national, and the nation in international arena.

The idea of having traditional games included in the Meghalaya Games is to add a cultural dimension to the sporting extravaganza, and to preserve these games in the age of modernity. It is also to remind everyone, especially the youth, that tribals were always linked to sports and to encourage more youth to take up traditional games. It is to strengthen the ethnic fabric and unity among the tribal communities of Meghalaya.

In Rah Moo Khrah, competitors carry a raw heavy rounded rock with a weight ranging from 24.4 kg to 138.10 Kg to the finishing line. In the individual event for Men’s category, Da Oo Hi Dhar from West Jaintia Hills District secured the first position, claiming the coveted title of “Ki Mar”. he was followed by Me-U-Ru Suna and Vincent Bareh from the same district in second and third places, respectively.

In the team event of Rah Moo Khrah (Men), West Jaintia Hills District bagged the first position, with team members- Baphin Nongrum, Shanlangki Lyngdoh, Callten Sari, Me-U-Ru Suna and Da Oo Hi Dhar. East Khasi Hills District emerged as the runners-up with team members- Janaising Marbaniang, Arkystar Kharkamni, Biangpor Kharkongor, Vincent Bareh and Arjun Thabah.

In the traditional game of Wa’Pong Sika (Men), or Pushing Bamboo Pole or a Garo version of Tug of War, Pangrak R Marak from West Garo Hills District clinched the top spot, with Lambai Challam and Wanlambhamiki Passah from West Jaintia Hills District securing the second and third positions, respectively.

Mawpoin, on the other hand, is a common game across Khasi households where teams raise stone pyramids to eliminate opponents. Mawpoin’s women category event showcased exceptional performances as East Khasi Hills District claimed the first position. The winning team included Kmenshisha Syiemlieh, Pdiangtihun Swer, Saphira Kharmalki, Labianghun Kharkongor, Kordilia Wahlang, Kertisha Mawtein Nongsiej, Lashembha Thabah, and Mayalangika Bareh.

West Garo Hills District and West Jaintia Hills District secured the second and third positions, respectively.

In the Mawpoin (Men) category, East Khasi Hills District continued their winning streak, with team members Arbest Sawkmie, Tailes Sawkmie, Demostar Khasain, Ryntihlang Nongkynrih, Ryan Nongkynrih, Wanlam Kupar Mylliemngap, Dapbiang Kupar Mylliemngap, and Ozzy Mandiaz Nelson Nongkynrih. West Garo Hills District and West Jaintia Hills District secured the second and third positions.

One noteworthy development due to the introduction of the traditional games in the Meghalaya Games is that other tribes also had a chance to witness, learn and play these games, which otherwise would not have been possible. As is evident from the above results, each of the traditional games were won by the tribe to which it is indigenous to but other tribes managed to secure second and third place. This is evidence enough that if the same games are played in the future editions of Meghalaya Games, the other tribes are likely to fare much in games other than their own.

Also, Thursday marked the culmination of traditional sporting events in ongoing Meghalaya Games.

Also Read: 5th Meghalaya Games | Athletics | West Jaintia Hills steals show with stellar performances

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