Shillong, Apr 18: Sports official Dister Marbaniang has died, it was announced on the night of 17th-18th April.
Marbaniang met with an accident on 11th April and had been receiving intensive treatment at NEIGRIHMS.
The loss is a huge one for the cricket and football communities in Meghalaya.
At the time of his death, Marbaniang was President of the East Khasi Hills Cricket Association, which oversees the sport in areas of the district outside Shillong. It was only on 4th April that the EKHCA celebrated the conclusion of its district T20 men’s championship.
Marbaniang had also been manager for several Meghalaya Cricket Association teams, including up to the Ranji Trophy level.
Additionally, he was an important figure in local football. Marbaniang was closely associated with Royal Wahingdoh FC at its peak when it qualified for the I-League in 2014-15 and continued to remain with it when the hard times came as it reverted to being Wahingdoh SC. At the time of his passing he was one of the Shillong Sports Association’s different sports secretaries. It was his voice that would most often be heard reading out the squad lists during Shillong Premier League matches and making other announcements.
TSR will feel his loss acutely as Marbaniang was one of our earliest supporters and he almost never missed a post on Facebook.
The first public condolence message came from the Shillong Cricket Association, which formally announced his death just after midnight today.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we inform all members of the passing of Bah Dister Marbaniang, the President of the East Khasi Hills District Association. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” SCA President Peter Mac Kharsawian said on social media.
Today morning, former MCA and SCA President Naba Bhattacharjee said, “Deeply saddened and anguished at the passing away of Bah Dister Marbaniang. We thought that being a fighter to the core he will overcome the tragic accident.”
“We worked together in Shillong Cricket Association since 2006 and thereafter in Meghalaya Cricket Association till recently. He was a sincere and committed administrator and benefactor in promoting cricket in our state. As founder President of East Khasi Hills District CA he played a pivotal role in taking cricket to different centres of the district. He served MCA in different capacities particularly as Manager for Senior teams since last several years. May Almighty bestow eternal peace to the noble soul and heartfelt condolences to his family to bear the grievous loss with courage!”
Further condolences are expected and will be updated here.
(TSR file photo)
