North East Olympic Games 2022: Meghalaya grabs its 1st gold medal in MTB Downhill Hardtail men's race

Meghalaya won their first gold medal at the 2nd North East Olympic Games with Willbornson Wahlang winning the MTB Downhill Hardtail men's race at Malki Forest here today. 

Meghalaya swept this particular category, with its cyclists taking silver and bronze as well through Amedius Therlang Marbaniang and Nicholas Syrti respectively. Just two seconds separated the top three, with Wahlang finishing the course in a time span of 2 minutes, 23 seconds, ahead of Marbaniang (2:24) and Syrti (2:25). 

Manipur claimed a gold medal through Thokchom Tennyson Singh (2:08) in the MTB Downhill Full Suspension men's race, ahead of Meghalaya's Dame Wanki Ha-o Suiam (2:15). Another Manipur cyclist, Kshetrimayum Jack Singh (2:19), was third. 

In the women's open cross-country race, Lindum Iakia of Arunachal Pradesh emerged first with a timing of 9 minutes, 42.00 seconds, while Manipur pair of Pangambam Priya Devi (9:43.44) and Haomon Urbashi Devi (9:48.10) came second and third respectively. 

Yesterday, in the junior competition, AZ Thotmachan from Manipur bagged the gold medal, with Pynshailang Khyllait from Meghalaya second and Vanlalruata of Mizoram third. In the elite men's cross country, gold was won by Manipur's Khundrakpam Ronel Singh, with home hero Kevin John Khyllait crossing the line in second place and Mesak Vanlalvena from Mizoram third. 

The prize distribution ceremony for all the above events was held today, with Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh MLA as the chief guest. Other dignitaries included the Additional CEO of NEOG 2022 and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Shri Cyril VD Diengdoh IAS. 

The cyclists will now have a break of two days before Tuesday's 80km road race, which will take the riders from Shillong to Mawthadraishan.