Shillong, September 28: An exciting day of fast-paced five-a-side futsal action saw numerous teams come away happy while others have to pick themselves up from defeat and soldier on.
More than 20 matches were scheduled for the opening day of the 1st Open Futsal Tournament, which is organised by the Futsal Association of Meghalaya (FAM) with support from the Futsal Association of India and District Sports Promotion Society, East Khasi Hills.
Thirty-two teams have been divided into eight groups for the three-day tournament, which is taking place at the Indoor Stadium at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, Polo.
Dr (Mrs) M Ampareen Lyngdoh, Honourable Minister, Government of Meghalaya, was the chief guest and George E Lyngdoh, District Sports Officer of East Khasi Hills and Member Secretary of the District Sports Promotion Society, East Khasi Hills, was the guest of honour at the inaugural ceremony held in the morning.
In her speech the chief guest congratulated the President of the Futsal Association of Meghalaya, Dr Brightstar Langbang and his team for taking the initiative to promote the sport of futsal in the state. She was sure that futsal can help produce many good footballers in the future. She also assured that the Government of Meghalaya will support the Association to promote the game for the benefit of the youth in the state.
The guest of honour, meanwhile, appreciated the move made by the Association to introduce this game. He assured the Association that he will lend support to promote the game in the future.
Dr Langbang in his speech informed that FAM was formed with the aim to promote futsal in the state and that many great players in the world, like Ronaldihno, Messi and Neymar played futsal in their early childhood and the Association is also aiming at producing footballers. This will not be possible without the support of the government and various other stakeholders, he added.The inaugural session was ended with a vote of thanks from D Dkhar, Vice-President of FAM.
