Meghalaya: Efforts to preserve culture, heritage. 3 traditional sports find place in Meghalaya Games. Details here

The introduction of the traditional games is certainly a historic move to strengthen the ethnic fabric and unity among the tribal communities of Meghalaya

In a decisive move by the Meghalaya Government to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the state, three traditional games like Rah Mukhrah, Mawpoin and Wa.Pong Sika was included in the list of sporting events for the Meghalaya Games 2024.

The traditional Games culminated at the Don Bosco School, Tura which witnessed the congregation of people from the Khasi, Garo as well as the Jaintia communities. The loud cheer and joy during the proceedings was also a testimony of the fact that sports can indeed strengthen the ethnic fabric as well as the unity among the communities in the state.

Know about the 3 traditional sports:

How is Rah Moo Khrah played?

Pic source: Meghalaya Sports & Youth Affairs (Facebook)

The Rah Moo Khrah, a traditional game from the Jaintia Hills region, where competitors carry a raw heavy rounded rock with a weight ranging from 24.4 kg to 138.10 Kg to the finishing line. The tradition dictates that the individual who crosses the finishing line first is hailed as the strongest man.

How is Wa.Pong Sika played?

In the game of Wa.Pong Sika, or Pushing Bamboo Pole, one of the prominent and important traditional games of the Garo community reminding the people about the brave warriors of the past like Dikki Bandi, Gilsang Dalbot and Togan Nengminja Sangma. The two players or the competitors hold the edges of the 6-feet bamboo on either side under-arm in the opposite direction and propels the pole forward in effort of pushing each other out.

How is Mawpoin played?

A common game across Khasi households where teams raise stone pyramids to eliminate opponents both men and women categories.

Results of the 3 disciplines of traditional sports in the Meghalaya Games 2024:

Rah Moo Khrah

Da Oo Hi Dhar of West Jaintia Hills stole the spotlight, claiming the coveted title of “Ki Mar”. Me-U-Ru Suna of West Jaintia Hills secured the second spot while Vincent Bareh of East Khasi Hills was at the 3rd spot.
West Jaintia Hills emerged as Champions in the Team event, East Khasi Hills was the Runner- up

Wa.Pong Sika

Pangrak R Marak of West Garo Hills emerged as the winner, displaying exceptional technique and control. Athletes from the West Jaintia Hills, won in both the second and third positions in this exciting and challenging event.

Mawpoin

The teams from East Khasi Hills emerged victorious, claiming the top positions in both the men and women categories. West Garo Hills teams secured the second position in both categories, while Team West Jaintia Hills grabbed the third spot in both the categories.

The introduction of the traditional games is certainly a historic move to strengthen the ethnic fabric and unity among the tribal communities of Meghalaya and take people back to their roots. Many believe that this will go a long way in preserving the cultural ethos.

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