Shillong: The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs is thrilled to announce that Meghalaya has won its first medal at the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand.
Pynshangain Kurbah, a 21-year-old athlete from Labyrwa, Ri-Bhoi, secured a bronze medal in the Men’s Slalom K1 event, marking a significant achievement for the state.
Kurbah, who took up kayak slalom less than seven years ago without initially intending to pursue it professionally, has risen to become one of the most promising athletes in the sport.
He has also earned a silver medal in the Khelo India Youth Games, the highest medal for Meghalaya at that time.
Kurbah trains with a group of nearly 20 athletes in Umtham, Ri-Bhoi, including Elizabeth Vincent, an Asian Championship Bronze Medallist.
Elizabeth, along with Indra Sharma and Vikash Rana, will be competing in the Kayaking and Canoeing events at the 38th National Games in 2025.
Expressing pride over Kurbah’s success, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma took to his X account, stating, “Our heart swells with pride as Pynshangain Kurbah paddled his way to 3rd place in Kayak Men Slalom, winning Meghalaya’s 1st medal in the 38th #NationalGames, Uttarakhand. Congratulations, Pynshangain! We are so proud of you!”
In recognition of his achievement, Kurbah will be awarded multiple honours through the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs’ ongoing schemes.
Under the Cash Awards Scheme, he will receive Rs. 1 Lakh, in addition to a Rs. 72,000 scholarship through the Sports Scholarship Scheme.
This bronze medal is the first National Games victory for Meghalaya since 2015, a milestone made possible through the dedicated efforts of Kurbah, the Meghalaya Canoe Association, and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs working collaboratively.
The state has made significant strides in sports development in recent years, with particular focus on water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and rowing.
The Meghalaya Canoe Association, founded by passionate citizens dedicated to promoting whitewater sports, has been instrumental in nurturing talent in the state.
The efforts of Sheela Vincent, the manager of the state team, and Ian Vincent, the coach, have played a critical role in developing the sport.
Since 2018, the MCA and the Ri-Bhoi Water Sports and Tourism Co-operative Society have been at the forefront of athlete training and encouraging community involvement in water sports.
The Department has also supported the sport through various initiatives, including equipment grants from the Czech Republic, partnerships with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association for technical expertise, and financial support to host the Megha Kayak Fest—an international event now recognized by the International Canoe Federation.
The festival has attracted over 100 national and international athletes, including Olympians, who have inspired local athletes and shared valuable insights to help improve their skills.
To further elevate the sport in Meghalaya, the Department is exploring the development of a world-class slalom course.
This will not only solidify the sport’s presence in the state but also attract national and international expertise to Meghalaya.
Additionally, the Government of Meghalaya is committed to enhancing sports infrastructure across the state with a Rs. 1000 crore investment, ensuring that aspiring athletes have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including artificial football turfs, indoor halls, and large sports complexes.
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The state’s ongoing initiatives, such as the Cash Awards and Sports Scholarship Programs, reward athletes for their achievements and encourage continued excellence in sports.
Sports Associations across more than 40 disciplines are also receiving grants to help identify and nurture talented athletes throughout the state.
With these efforts, Meghalaya is poised to see more athletes follow in Kurbah’s footsteps and achieve greater success in the world of sports.
