Pynshangain Kurbah Wins Meghalaya’s First Medal at 38th National Games, Secures Bronze

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Meghalaya celebrates its first medal at 38th National Games as Pynshangain Kurbah wins bronze.
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Meghalaya has made a historic mark at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, winning its first medal in the prestigious event. Pynshangain Kurbah, a talented 21-year-old athlete from Labyrwa, Ri-Bhoi, bagged a bronze medal in the Men’s Slalom K1 event, marking a major milestone for Meghalaya in the field of kayak slalom.

Pynshangain Kurbah’s Journey to Victory

Despite taking up kayak slalom less than seven years ago, Kurbah has emerged as one of Meghalaya’s most promising athletes. His journey began as a passion rather than a professional ambition, but through dedication and rigorous training, he has secured multiple accolades for the state.

Before this bronze medal win at the National Games, Kurbah had already made headlines by securing a silver medal at the Khelo India Youth Games—the highest medal won by Meghalaya at that time. His continued success highlights the growing prominence of water sports in Meghalaya.

Recognition and Rewards for Kurbah

Following his historic win, Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed immense pride in Kurbah’s achievement. Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Sangma shared his congratulations. “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 receive:

  • ₹1 Lakh under the Cash Awards Scheme
  • ₹72,000 through the Sports Scholarship Scheme

The Role of the Meghalaya Canoe Association and the Department of Sports

Meghalaya’s sports development efforts have been instrumental in fostering talents like Pynshangain Kurbah. The Meghalaya Canoe Association (MCA), along with the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, has played a pivotal role in promoting kayaking and canoeing in the state.

The MCA, founded by dedicated sports enthusiasts, has been nurturing local talent and expanding the reach of whitewater sports. Key contributors include:

  • Sheela Vincent – Manager of the state team
  • Ian Vincent – Head coach, who has significantly contributed to athlete development

The Ri-Bhoi Water Sports and Tourism Co-operative Society, in collaboration with MCA, has been at the forefront of training athletes since 2018, fostering community involvement in water sports.

Future of Kayaking and Canoeing in Meghalaya

Meghalaya is now gearing up to take its water sports initiatives to the next level. The state government is:

  • Exploring the development of a world-class slalom course, which will attract national and international expertise
  • Strengthening partnerships with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association for better technical training
  • Investing ₹1000 crore to enhance sports infrastructure across the state

The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs has also facilitated equipment grants from the Czech Republic, ensuring that Meghalaya’s athletes have access to top-notch resources.

Megha Kayak Fest: A Platform for Growth

One of Meghalaya’s biggest contributions to the kayaking community is the Megha Kayak Fest—an internationally recognized event that has gained prominence under the International Canoe Federation.

The festival has:

  • Attracted 100+ national and international athletes, including Olympians
  • Provided a platform for Meghalaya’s local athletes to gain global exposure
  • Allowed participants to exchange knowledge and improve skills

The success of Megha Kayak Fest has inspired many young athletes in Meghalaya to pursue kayaking and canoeing professionally, boosting the state’s standing in water sports.

Other Meghalaya Athletes at the 38th National Games

Following Pynshangain Kurbah’s medal win, all eyes are now on Elizabeth Vincent, an Asian Championship Bronze Medallist, and fellow athletes Indra Sharma and Vikash Rana, who will be competing in Kayaking and Canoeing events at the 38th National Games in 2025.

Pynshangain Kurbah’s bronze medal at the 38th National Games is a historic moment for Meghalaya, proving that the state’s investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development is yielding results. With government support, continued training, and global exposure, Meghalaya is poised to become a powerhouse in kayaking, canoeing, and other water sports. This achievement is just the beginning of a new era for Meghalaya’s athletes, inspiring the next generation to aim for even greater heights at national and international levels.

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