The sports fraternity in Meghalaya, particularly in Ri-Bhoi district, has been left in deep shock and grief following the tragic death of a promising young athlete who had been preparing to represent the state in the National Games 2027.
The deceased athlete has been identified as Ritina Hanse (23), a resident of Khamar village in Ri-Bhoi district and a well-known runner who had brought several laurels to the district through her achievements in athletics.
According to reports, the tragic accident occurred on Monday along the National Highway at Sumer. Ritina was travelling on a scooty along with her elder brother Celestial Hanse (27) towards the Nongpoh area.
The scooty, bearing registration number ML-05-AC-2751, reportedly collided with a truck bearing registration number JK-02-BS-0445 near a road construction site that connects to the Western Bypass.
Ritina sustained critical injuries in the accident and was immediately rushed to Umsning Community Health Centre for medical treatment. However, doctors later declared her brought dead. Her brother was also injured in the accident.
Police from Meghalaya Police, particularly the Umiam Police Station, reached the accident site and have initiated an investigation into the incident.
The untimely demise of the young athlete has deeply saddened the sports community in Ri-Bhoi. Expressing grief over the tragic incident, Bobby L Nongbet, District Sports Officer of Ri-Bhoi, said Ritina was one of the most talented athletes from the district and had won several medals in athletics.
He also noted that she was the **first female athlete from Ri-Bhoi to win a medal for Meghalaya at the 29th East Zone Junior Athletics Championship held in Kolkata in 2017.
Her sudden death is being described as a huge loss for the district’s sports community, especially at a time when she was actively preparing for the upcoming National Games 2027.
Authorities and members of the sports fraternity have extended their condolences to the bereaved family.