Shillong, Jan 31: Meghalaya will send a 15-member men’s team to compete in the 44th Senior National Softball Championship 2023, which will be held in Odisha next month.
The event will run from 5th to 9th February. The Meghalaya contingent will leave for Odisha on 2nd February.
Softball is very similar to baseball but is played with a larger ball on a smaller field, with the balls pitched underarm.
The Meghalaya team comprises players from East Khasi Hills, West and South West Khasi Hills and East Jaintia Hills, with the Mawsynram area accounting for five players and Mawkyrwat another four of the total of 15. Also of note is that the team will be coached and managed by women – Ridahunlin Lyndem (who is also the Meghalaya Softball Association’s General Secretary) and Jerinda Kharchandy respectively.
The MSA had conducted coaching camps beginning in October last year in eight places around the state – Mawkyrwat, Mawsynram, Nongstoin, Mairang, Jowai, Khliehriat, Lummawbah and Nongpoh. Selection trials were held on 16th January in Shillong, followed by a coaching camp that ran from 17th January and concluded today.
A small send-off was held today for the team with an exhibition match held in the presence of MSA President Dr Aman War and other dignitaries.
(Meghalaya Softball Association photo)
