Tura, Sept 21: The Mahari Football Tournament 2024 for both Men’s and Women’s concluded on Saturday, with Bolwari and Chambugong Mahari emerging as champions.
This year marks the 4th edition of the Men’s Mahari Football Tournament and the 2nd edition of the Women’s Tournament.
In the Men’s tournament, Bolwari Mahari emerged as champions after a 3-1 victory over Agitok Mahari, the defending champion of 2023.
Chekam B Marak, wearing the No. 10 jersey for Bolwari Mahari, delivered an outstanding performance with a hat-trick, securing the win for his team.
In the Women’s Football Tournament, Chambugong Mahari triumphed with a convincing 4-1 win against Mangsang Mahari, capping off a thrilling day of football action at the P.A. Sangma Stadium in Dakopgre, Tura.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma attended to witness the finals as the Chief Guest, praised the organizers for their efforts in successfully hosting the tournament over the years.
He commended the players, Maharis and organizers for their active participation and support of the event. Chief Minister stressed on the state government’s commitment to promoting sports in the State.
The Chief Minister noted the successful hosting of the Meghalaya Games in West Garo Hills, with plans to hold the next edition in Jaintia Hills in January 2025.
CM Sangma also announced the launch of the Inter Constituency Football League to be held next year, announcing that only local talent will be allowed to participate, with no outside players permitted.
The Chief Minister further shared the government’s ongoing efforts to improve sports infrastructure across the state, mentioning the sanctioning of 33 artificial turf projects, with 28 already tendered, and the construction of 12 new stadiums across the state, 3 of which have been sanctioned.
Additionally, 10 synthetic tracks and a total of 77 new sports infrastructure projects are in the pipeline.
Sangma highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting grassroots sports, mentioning that ₹14 lakhs had been sanctioned from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant for the Mahari Football Tournament, benefiting both men’s and women’s teams. A total of 57 teams participated, with each team receiving ₹10,000 in support.
The Chief Minister also expressed his best wishes for the tournament and reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting and providing financial assistance to sporting events across the state.
Notably, the Mahari Football teams included players of all ages, with 6 members from Chras and 5 from Gachi, some of whom were over 40 years old, showcasing the inclusivity and spirit of the tournament.
At this year’s edition, among the dignitaries attending the final match were Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma, MLAs Sengchim Sangma and Sanjay A Sangma, CEM of GHADC Tura Albinush Marak, DIG Western Range Tura Dr. M G R Kumar, DC WGH Jagdish Chelani, SP Jerry Marak, District Sports Officer S M Marak, and other officials and Mahari representatives.
In the Men’s category, the individual award winners are as follows: Billy A Sangma (60 years old) as the Oldest Player, Milden B Marak from Bolwari Mahari as the Best Goalkeeper, Chekan Tengrik B Marak from Bolwari Mahari as the Best Player, Marthus Tegite Sangma as the Top Scorer, and Dopo Mahari as the Best Disciplined Team.
In the Women’s category, the individual award winners are: Robita D Sangma (45 years old) from Dawa Mahari as the Oldest Player, Ropina R Marak as the Best Goalkeeper, Donera Ch Marak as the Best Player, Tengchira Ch Marak with 6 goals as the Top Scorer, and Napak Mahari as the Best Disciplined Team.
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