Shillong, Dec 11: The 3rd Meghalaya Open Softball Championship 2023 began today at Second Ground, Polo, here.
Softball is somewhat similar to baseball. If that doesn’t help you understand what it is, well, baseball is similar to rounders, the local version of which is randos. For those brought up on cricket, the way to think about softball is to take everything you know about cricket and forget it.
Although the rules were unfamiliar to TSR before today, just by spending time at the ground gave us a basic understanding of what looks like a fun sport of strikes, home runs and stealing bases.
Twelve teams are taking part in the championship, which will conclude on Wednesday – six in the men’s category and six in the women’s. The men’s teams are Nongpoh, Jowai, Dkhiah, Mawsynram, Nongstoin and Mawkyrwat. The women’s teams are Lynti Jam (Ri-Bhoi), Jowai, Dkhiah, Mawsynram, Mairang and Mawkyrwat.
There are 156 players taking part, with 10 technical officials. Although it is a competitive event, it is also one about learning as many of the players don’t seem to be very fluent with the game. That’s where the very knowledgeable MSA officials come in, giving advice to the players from all sides during the matches.
Today’s chief guest was Assistant Director of Sports & Youth Affairs Paia B War Nongbri. Others present included Meghalaya Swimming Association President Joe Marwein, the Softball Association President Dr Aman Warr and Meghalaya State Olympic Association Working President John F Kharshiing, who popped by later in the day.
The Softball Association has been around since 1991 but lack of funds has meant that its footprint has been small and tournaments sporadic; this is the third such championship but the last one was nearly a decade ago.
Today’s results:
Men’s Group B – Mawsynram defeated Mawkyrwat 11-1
Men’s Group A – Dkhiah defeated Nongstoin 12-1
Men’s Group B – Jowai defeated Mawkyrwat 11-10
Women’s Group A – Mawkyrwat lost to Lynti Jam 11-15
Women’s Group A – Lynti Jam defeated Mairang 14-2
Women’s Group B – Jowai defeated Mawsynram 11-10
(Meghalaya Softball Association photo. More photos can be found on the MSA Facebook page)
