SHILLONG: The first Rev. Fr. Joseph Arokiasamy Memorial Inter-College Football Tournament was formally inaugurated on Monday by Rev. Fr. Bernard Pala, Principal, St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School at the Don Bosco Mini Stadium, Laitumkhrah.
The tournament was recently instituted by St Anthony’s College, Shillong, in honour of Rev. Fr. Joseph Arokiasamy who served as the Principal of the college from 1958-1982.
The objectives of the college in organising this tournament is to provide young people with a platform to showcase their talent and skill in football and also to draw attention to the sport as a viable profession and a source of steady income.
Eight teams representing St Anthony’s College, St Edmunds’ College, Sankardev College, BBS College, Union Christian College, Synod College, Kiang Nangbah Government College and Umshyrpi College attended the inaugural ceremony.
Speaking at the inauguration as the chief guest, Rev. Fr. Pala highlighted the ever-intensifying popularity of the sport in the state.
Drawing the audience’s attention to the fact that since many football clubs have emerged in the city, talented footballers will find many openings in the future, which can turn out to be life-changing and career-making opportunities for them.
He lauded the efforts that clubs such as the Shillong Lajong FC, Royal Wahingdoh FC and Rangdajied FC have put in to win the laurels and accolades accorded to them.
He encouraged the teams participating in the tournament to give their best throughout the tournament and to play with the spirit of true sportsmanship.
In the opening match, played between Synod College and St Anthony’s (represented by its ‘B’ team), Lalpianmawia scored the solitary goal of the match in the 49th minute to secure a victory for Synod College.
In the second match, Kiang Nangbah Government College drew with Sankerdev College, with the match ending 1-1.
Shining Star Lamurong scored for Kiang Nangbah Govt College and Sylvester Fankon for Sankerdev.