SHILLONG: Kmoin Wahlang, the 76-year-old distance running sensation from Meghalaya, has been selected to join the Indian athletics team for the prestigious 13th Pan Pacific Masters Games 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia.
The event, scheduled from November 1 to 10, will see Wahlang competing in the 800m, 1500m, and 3000m races in the 75-plus age category.
Her invitation to the Indian team came following an impressive performance earlier this year in Hyderabad, where she caught the attention of the Pan India Masters Games Federation.
Recognising her dedication and achievements, she was chosen to represent India based on her athletic prowess and resilience.
Expressing her gratitude and determination, Wahlang highlighted the need for support from the public and government to realise her dream of competing in Australia.
“I will strive to bring back a gold medal if I get there,” she told a local news website, reflecting her unwavering commitment to excellence in sports.
Wahlang’s journey to becoming a renowned marathoner began after she faced health challenges following the birth of her 12th child.
Starting with regular walking due to lack of running shoes, she soon embraced running and has since completed full marathons in Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, and her home state of Meghalaya.
Supported by the RUNMeghalaya Association (RMA), Wahlang has participated in renowned events such as Pinkathon, SBI Go Green Marathon, and the Tata Mumbai Marathon, where she notably became the oldest woman participant in the 42K run.
Her journey exemplifies perseverance and passion, inspiring countless individuals across Meghalaya and beyond.
The Khasis of Meghalaya’s Mawkyrwat region, known for their natural aptitude in long-distance running akin to Mexico’s Tarahumara tribe, have celebrated Wahlang’s achievements as a testament to their cultural legacy in athletics.
As Wahlang prepares for the Pan Pacific Masters Games, her story continues to resonate, underscoring the power of determination and the ageless spirit of sport.
