Ampati, September 25: The Rangsakona Invitational Football Tournament, 2017 concluded on Monday afternoon with the final match being played between Druma Sandruma and Maram FC, both from Tura, in which the latter emerged the champions by defeating the former by 1-0 goal.
Altogether 19 matches, including the last and final match, were played in the tournament that stretched over two weeks. Twelve teams from across the Garo Hills participated in the tournament, while four other invited teams, namely, Navajyoti Club, Guwahati, Langsning Sports Club, Shillong, United FC, Goalpara Assam and Shillong Lajong Juniors FC joined in from the quarter finals.
Addressing the crowd of over 3000 spectators before the final match, Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Zenith Sangma said that football being the most powerful medium that connects everybody in one platform and highlighted the multifarious benefits of having such tournaments. He expressed hope that this tournament would inspire local youths to play football and also learn from other teams. He spoke of the focus being given by the State Government not only in the field of sports but also on youth affairs to be able to reach out to the youth and help them realize their dreams and aspirations.
The Minister also informed the gathering that under Mission Football which has been launched recently, the Coaches’ Clinic would be held on October 4 and 5 next at Tura District Auditorium for coaches from all the blocks of Garo Hills.
Government Chief Whip, W.D.Sangma, Parliamentary Secretary, Ashahel D. Shira, Chairperson, State Development Reforms Commission, Bluebell R. Sangma, Chairperson, GHADC, Sadhiyarani M. Sangma, former Minister Billykid A. Sangma, South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Cyril V.D. Diengdoh, Addl.Director, Sports & Youth Affairs, J.P.Marak and Vice President of Meghalaya Football Association, Gino A. Sangma were among others who were present during the final match.
Later, the Minister and other dignitaries gave away the trophies and medals along with the prize money to the winners and the runners up team.
