on the giant screen installed at Khyndailad early Monday morning. (UB)
SHILLONG: History was made at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro early Monday morning as Germany overcame a 24-year drought to lift the coveted FIFA gold trophy defeating Argentina by a solitary extra-time goal but Khyndailad was the centre of attraction back home as thousands of football diehards converged at the heart of the Pine City overcoming a slight drizzle and 120 minutes of a nervous but exhilarating grand finale that brought the curtains down on the world’s greatest football spectacle ever.
A strong contingent of Meghalaya police personnel were on duty at Khyndailad to see to it that the proceedings pass off peacefully.
The presence of a DJ at the venue was an added attraction for soccer lovers of Shillong to enjoy music along with the food provided at food stalls that included among others a large stock of barbecued chicken among other delights, which, however, finished off in no time.
A fan who identified himself as Andy Lyngdoh said he was there to support Germany but admitted that he was a big Messi fan.
Another football lover Pynshailang Mawlong from Upper Shillong who was there with his entire family expressed gratitude over the Government’s initiative of installing a giant screen, adding that watching a football match in the open with thousands of people around was the next best thing to watching a live match at a stadium.
In Williamnagar, the headquarters of East Garo Hills, a massive screen, the biggest ever in the State with dimensions of 50×30 ft was installed by the Williamnagar Officers’ Club at Rongrenggre Stadium.