I-Day challenge football ends in high note

TURA, AUG 16: Selsella Sports Association as “The Mangal Pandey Squad” defeated Chipakkore Football Club as “The Babasaheb Ambedkar Squad” to win the coveted title of – Freedom Challenge Cup 2016.

Over 5000 people witnessed the scintillating match held at Government Boy’s Higher Secondary School Playground, Chandmari yesterday evening. Both the teams displayed exemplary football skills on the ground.

Suspense, drama and story unfolded during the match with both teams equally charged up. It was difficult for anybody to predict, who will win the title as both teams displayed their gusto.

In the first half, both the teams failed to score any goal. In the second half, The Mangal Pandey Squad scored the first goal in 31 minutes and posed a challenge for The Babasaheb Ambedkar Squad.

In the 52 minute of the match, The Babasaheb Ambedkar Squad equaled the score. In the full-time, the game ended on high note with draw.

In the penalty shootout, The Mangal Pandey Squad scored five goals and The Babasaheb Ambedkar Squad scored four goals.

Meghalaya Health Minister A L Hek gave away the trophy and the cash prize of Rs. 50,000 to the winners and Rs. 25,000 to the runners up.

Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi, sports officer Jasper P. Marak, Tura MDC Rupert Sangma and Founder William Initiative Daryl Momin gave away the cash prize and trophies to winner of various competitions and titles.

A total of 16 teams took part in the tournament.

Titles winners were — Dorik Marak of Selsella Sports Association (Best Forward Player), Dipyush Momin of Boca Juniors (Best Defender), Chinqu Sangma of Selsella Sports Association (Best Midfielder), Jaksram Marak of Chipakkore Sports Club (Best Goalkeeper) and Terin Marak of Chipakkore Sports Club (player of the tournament).

The highest scorer of the tournament was Dalmathius Marak of Chipakkore Sports Club with eight goals.

“Peace has restored peace back in Garo hills. People will flourish and grow. All the people in Garo hills can live without fear. The tournament held at evening is a testimony”, said Hek, addressing the gathering.

He congratulated the organisers and participating sport clubs for putting up a great show to mark the 70th Independence Day.-From Our Correspondent