Shillong, Feb 27: Meghalaya’s dreams of more medals in the NTPC Khelo India North East Zone Open Archery Tournament 2026 did not come to pass as the state’s last hope, Nakibansharai Khonghat, narrowly missed out on a bronze in the women’s compound division today.
The Archery Association of Meghalaya (AAM), under the aegis of the Archery Association of India (AAI) hosted the North East Zone event at the Sports Authority of India Shillong Training Centre archery range on the NEHU campus.
Today was the last day, with Meghalaya winning one gold through Devraj Mohapatra, one bronze thanks to Vivek Sunar and a fourth-placed finish by Hypormi Wanniang on the first day yesterday in the recurve events.
Today Manipur dominated the men’s compound category with all three podium places going to archers from the state – Huidrom Biken Singh (gold, 147 points), Hawaibam Teuton Khuman (silver, 141) and Ngasepam Nabadwip Singh (bronze, 148). I Jagjeet Singh of Assam was fourth (145).
Nakibansharai was the only Meghalayan to reach the semifinals today. Unable to make it to the final, she was still in with a shot for a medal in the third-place playoff. She did very well and was leading Smriti Sarma of Assam but a miscued last arrow under pressure for time saw her opponent edge into the lead by 144 points to 141. The title match was won by Anuradha Boruah of Assam with 147 points, with Ksh Manglemsana of Manipur second with 140.
Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Dikki D Shira, was the chief guest on the last day. The guest of honour was Olympian and Arjuna awardee Smti Chekrovolu Swuro, who is also President of the Nagaland Archery Association and AAI Vice-President. The top four from each category received prize money – Rs 20,000 for the winners, Rs 15,000 for the runners-up, Rs 10,000 for the bronze medallists and Rs 5,000 for the fourth-placed finishers.
This is the third consecutive year that the AAI is holding this tournament. Conducted across five zones, the tournament continues to serve as a key developmental initiative aimed at providing wider competitive exposure and strengthening the participation base of archers from state associations, sports boards and associate members.
The support extended by NTPC and SAI is invaluable and reflects their commitment to promoting archery in the country, which will not only enhance the quality and scale of archery tournaments but will also provide a greater competitive edge to India’s archers to improve their performance and skills.
