Sur Kynud winner to compete at WCOPA 2026
Shillong, July 8: Meghalaya’s rising singing star Kitkupar Nongsiej has earned a place in Team India for the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2026 in Las Vegas, USA, becoming the second winner of the state’s Ka Sur Kynud talent competition to compete on the global stage.
The Ka Sur Kynud Season 3 champion will represent India at the international championship, often dubbed the “Olympics of Performing Arts”, from July 13 to 21, where performers from over 60 countries will compete.
Ahead of his departure, the Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC) and Don Bosco Media Network (DBMN) organised a prayer service and send-off ceremony in Shillong on Tuesday. The event was attended by Shillong Salesian Provincial Rev. Fr. John Zosiama, DBYC Director Rev. Fr. Michael Makri, family members, church leaders and well-wishers.
A native of Kynshi in Eastern West Khasi Hills, Kitkupar rose to prominence after winning Ka Sur Kynud Season 3, Meghalaya’s flagship singing competition organised by DBMN. Earlier, he had also won Sur Kynud Niam Season 2, establishing himself as one of the state’s promising young vocalists.
His musical journey has since taken him to the Shillong Chamber Choir, while he also participated in an international exposure programme in Indonesia sponsored by the Meghalaya government in 2025. Known for his performances of traditional Khasi folk songs, Kitkupar has also featured on Doordarshan Meghalaya.
He secured his place in Team India after successfully clearing a rigorous international online audition process for WCOPA.
Speaking at the send-off, Rev. Fr. Michael Makri said Kitkupar’s achievement reflected the mission of Don Bosco Media Network to identify and nurture talented youth from Meghalaya.
“Our mission has always been to discover hidden talents and provide them with opportunities that many young people only dream about. We believe that talent from Meghalaya deserves international recognition,” he said.
Kitkupar’s participation continues a successful tradition for the competition. Chevinia Lyngdoh Mawnai, the first winner of Ka Sur Kynud, went on to represent India at the UK Vocal Star competition and won the international title.
Originally scheduled to travel to the United States last year, Kitkupar’s participation was delayed after WCOPA was postponed because of global geopolitical developments. He is now set to leave Shillong on July 10 for Las Vegas.
For Meghalaya, his selection marks another milestone for local talent on the international stage, reinforcing the state’s growing reputation for producing artists capable of competing with the world’s best.
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