Shillong, Jul 13: Three schools from Ri-Bhoi claimed all the titles at the State Level Subroto Cup 2024 football tournament for an utterly dominant performance on the pitch.
Nongjri Presbyterian Secondary School won the U-15 boys’ title, Christian Higher Secondary School the U-17 girls’ and Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School topped it off with the U-17 boys’ trophy as well.
Each school was up against a different district in their respective finals, starting with Nongjri Presbyterian, who defeated Government Boys Higher Secondary School (Tura) of West Garo Hills 4-1 in the first match of the day at First Ground, Polo here. Thang Guo Lun Vaiphei (1′) gave the Tura school the lead just after kick-off but Nongjri Presbyterian found their way back with goals by Dabetskhem Rympei (11’P), Chanjip Chetri (13′) and Prosperwell Ryntong (18′, 47′).
Christian HSS then stormed to a 4-0 victory over Kyrshai Government LP & UP School of West Khasi Hills in the girls’ final, with Darika Rani (5′), Rimika Khongkai (20′, 51′) and Pynibha Rangthaluh (25′) scoring.
The last final of the day saw Myngken Christian pull out a 2-0 lead thanks to Mebankhraw Nongrum (21′) and Bannganson Nongphlang (42′) but, just when it seemed like North Liberty Higher Secondary School of West Jaintia Hills wouldn’t be able to find a way back they did just that as Jimal Rasmeet (56′) reduced the deficit. North Liberty desperately searched for the equaliser but the game was put to rest as Banganson scored for a second time in the 65th minute to give Myngken Christian a 3-1 win.
Individual awards were also presented at the prize distribution ceremony that followed.
The Best Goalkeepers in each category were Thrisilbirth A Sangma of Tura’s Govt Boys HSS (U-15 boys’), Ibashongkun Shylla of Christian HSS (U-17 girls’) and Wanpli Malang of Myngken Christian HSS (U-17 boys’).
The Best Players of the tournament in each category were Prosperwell Ryntong of Nongjri Presbyterian SS (U-15 boys’), Daiamon Marboh of Christian HSS (U-17 girls’) and Banplibok Khongjoh of Myngken Christian HSS (U-17 boys’).
Dignitaries present on the closing day included Secretary of the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs Isawanda Laloo, Director of Sports & Youth Affairs DD Shira, Meghalaya State Olympic Association Working President John F Kharshiing, Meghalaya Football Association President Hamletson Dohling and Shillong Sports Association General Secretary Dipshon L Nongbri, among others.
The tournament, organised by the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, began on Tuesday, bringing together the best schools from the 12 districts of Meghalaya for the annual event. The champion schools will each represent Meghalaya in the national-level Subroto Cup 2024 to follow.
(Department of Sports & Youth Affairs photos)