Dr. Ricky AJ Syngkon, Member of Parliament from Shillong and leader of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), died on Thursday evening after collapsing while playing football. He was declared dead at around 8:42 PM, NDTV reported. He was 54.
Syngkon had gone to play football with friends at a ground in Mawlai Mawiong near Shillong. During the match, he suddenly fell on the field. Friends rushed him to Mawiong Community Health Centre (CHC). However, reports said no doctor was present at the facility at that time. He was then referred to a higher centre.
He was shifted to Dr. H. Gordon Roberts Hospital in Jaiaw. Despite efforts by the medical team, he died shortly after admission.
Sudden collapse during match
The incident happened on Thursday evening. Witnesses said Syngkon appeared fine before the game. He collapsed midway through the match, causing panic among those present.
The absence of a doctor at the first health centre has raised concern. He was moved quickly to another hospital, but doctors could not save him, according to NDTV.
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CM Conrad Sangma expresses sorrow
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed deep sorrow. He called Syngkon a "dedicated and compassionate leader" committed to public service. He offered condolences to the family and said the state had lost a sincere leader.
Deeply shocked and profoundly saddened by the untimely demise of Hon’ble MP from Shillong, Dr. Ricky A J Syngkon. Dr. Ricky was a dedicated and compassionate leader, with deep enthusiasm for public service and unwavering commitment to his people. He was rooted in faith and served… pic.twitter.com/BeSgPrkWEZ
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) February 19, 2026
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Syngkon was a first-time MP. He rose to prominence after winning the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by a huge margin. He defeated three-time Congress MP Vincent H Pala by about 3.7 lakh votes. His landslide victory marked a major political shift in the state.
