The city of Shillong witnessed a landmark moment in its sporting calendar as the inaugural All Shillong Interschool Swimming Championship 2025 kicked off on October 24 at the True North Fitness Centre and Swimming Academy’s indoor heated pool in Lapalang. With over 155 students from 25 schools diving into action, the two-day event marked a significant step forward for youth sports in Meghalaya, blending competitive spirit with community celebration.
Organized by True North Fitness Centre and Swimming Academy, the championship featured 26 events across various age categories for both boys and girls. From the explosive 50m freestyle to the grueling 200m individual medley, the pool was alive with energy, determination, and cheers from friends, family, and well-wishers.
Championship Overview: Participation and Events
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Participants | 155 |
| Participating Schools | 25 |
| Championship Duration | 2 Days |
| Events Conducted | 26 |
| Venue | True North, Lapalang |
| Pool Type | Indoor Heated |
The event was flagged off by Keith Syiemlieh, the senior-most member of True North Centre, who emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and promoting aquatic sports in the region.
Schools That Made Waves
The competition saw spirited performances from several schools, with standout participation from:
- St Edmund’s School
- St Anthony’s School
- Assam Rifles Public School (Sports)
- Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Girls HS School
- Seven Set School
- Pine Mount School
- Loreto Convent
- Shillong Public School
- Grace Academy
- Little Flower School
These institutions brought their best swimmers, many of whom had trained for months in anticipation of the championship. The camaraderie among competitors and the support from school staff added to the vibrant atmosphere.
Event Categories and Highlights
| Event Name | Distance | Gender | Age Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestyle | 50m, 100m | Boys/Girls | Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 |
| Breaststroke | 100m | Boys/Girls | Under-14, Under-16 |
| Backstroke | 50m | Boys/Girls | Under-12, Under-14 |
| Butterfly | 50m | Boys/Girls | Under-14, Under-16 |
| Individual Medley | 200m | Boys/Girls | Under-16 |
| Relay Events | 4x50m | Mixed | Open Category |
The 200m individual medley was one of the most anticipated events, testing swimmers across all four strokes. Nazareen Pariong from Group B girls emerged victorious in this category, earning praise for her technique and stamina.
Medal Tally Snapshot (Day 1)
| School | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Edmund’s School | 5 | 3 | 2 | 10 |
| Assam Rifles Public School | 4 | 2 | 3 | 9 |
| Pine Mount School | 3 | 4 | 2 | 9 |
| Loreto Convent | 2 | 3 | 4 | 9 |
| Seven Set School | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Girls HS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
The medal tally reflects the competitive balance across schools, with multiple institutions sharing top honors. Coaches and parents alike celebrated the achievements, noting the growth in swimming talent across Shillong.
Voices from the Poolside
True North’s head coach, Rishan Khongwir, expressed pride in the event’s execution. “This championship is more than just medals—it’s about building a culture of swimming in Shillong. The turnout and enthusiasm have exceeded our expectations.”
Parents echoed similar sentiments. “It’s wonderful to see our children compete in such a well-organized event. The facilities are world-class, and the energy is infectious,” said Mrs. Dkhar, whose son competed in the 100m freestyle.
Community Impact and Future Plans
The success of the championship has sparked conversations about making it an annual fixture. Organizers are already considering expanding the event to include inter-district participation and introducing open categories for amateur adult swimmers.
Local businesses and sponsors also played a role, offering refreshments, merchandise, and logistical support. The event has not only promoted swimming but also strengthened community ties and youth engagement.
Social Media Buzz and Engagement
The championship generated significant traction online, with photos, videos, and live updates shared across platforms. Hashtags like #ShillongSwimChampionship, #YouthSplash2025, and #TrueNorthSwim trended locally.
| Platform | Engagement Type | Volume | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event Highlights | 12,000+ likes | Highly Positive | |
| Live Streams | 8,500+ views | Positive | |
| Hashtag Mentions | 3,200+ tweets | Supportive |
The digital coverage helped amplify the event’s reach, inspiring other cities in the Northeast to consider similar initiatives.
Challenges and Learnings
While the event was largely successful, organizers noted a few areas for improvement:
- Scheduling: Some events ran behind time due to high participation.
- Spectator Management: Limited seating led to crowding during peak hours.
- Technical Support: Minor glitches in timing systems were resolved quickly but highlighted the need for backup protocols.
These learnings will inform future editions, ensuring smoother execution and enhanced experience for participants and spectators.
Looking Ahead: Building a Swimming Ecosystem
The championship has laid the foundation for a thriving swimming culture in Shillong. With growing interest, schools are expected to invest more in training facilities, coaching staff, and interschool collaborations.
True North Fitness Centre plans to launch a year-round training program for promising swimmers, offering advanced coaching, nutrition guidance, and exposure to national-level competitions.
Conclusion
Shillong’s first interschool swimming championship was more than just a sporting event—it was a celebration of youth, community, and aspiration. With 155 students making a splash across 26 events, the city has taken a bold step toward nurturing aquatic talent. As the final races wrap up and medals are awarded, one thing is clear: the future of swimming in Shillong is bright, and this championship is just the beginning.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and event coverage. It does not intend to speculate or misrepresent any individual’s actions or intentions. All views expressed are for informational purposes only.
