SHILLONG: The Forest Department (BNP Division), Samrakshan Trust, Garo Students’ Union (GSU) and the District Sports Office, Baghmara, jointly organised “Football for Conservation”, an invitational tournament to celebrate Wildlife Week.
The tournament involved teams from different Akings of the Balpakram Baghmara Landscape.
The aim of the tournament was to use football as a platform to spread awareness about the rich forests and wildlife.
The final was held in Karwani on Saturday between Rongara East and Reserve Forest.
Several conservation posters were displayed around the grounds used to hold the football matches, celebrating the rich forests and wildlife of the South Garo Hills district while also drawing attention to the threats facing them and solutions to protect the rich natural heritage of the region.
The final match was won by Reserve Forest 1-0. Sangrak R Marak, the captain and also the tournament’s highest goal-scorer received the winners’ prize of Rs 10,000.
Blush Ch. Sangma collected Rs 8,000 for his team, Rongara East, as captain of the runners-up.
The finalists could also take heart after their own Pomul Sangma was named Player-of-the-Tournament.
Dilman D Marak, of Reserve Forest, was adjudged to be the best goalkeeper.
In addition to the football tournament, an Inter-school Wildlife Quiz, Drawing and Essay Competition was held on October 12 in Baghmara.
This event was dominated by Bethel Academy, whose students won the most awards.
The works of the winners of the drawing competition were displayed at the venue of the football final and the winners of all the events were facilitated at the award function after the match.