By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The second season of country’s largest baby league got kicked off on a roller coaster on Saturday as little wonders put in their best to register a win for their team. Shillong Lajong Coyotes took on Titan Otters on Saturday in the opening game of MBL 2019 held at MFA Turf in Polo Ground. Shillong Lajong Coyotes win the U6 category (Walkover). Titan Otters beat Lajong Coyotes by 6-0 in the U8 category and 5-2 in the U10 category respectively. Lajong Coyotes beat Titan Otters by 4-2 in the U11 category and 5-2 in the U12 category respectively. After the success of the first edition of Meghalaya’s chapter of baby league football last year, the Meghalaya Football Association along with Tata Trust this year is organizing the 5 month long baby league football tournament, where the little one’s are given a platform to show their skill and also gets groomed at the same time. MBL or the Meghalaya Baby League, one of India’s largest junior football leagues aims to groom professional footballers. All India Football Federation, vice president, Larsing Ming said that he was extremely happy that they had been able to carry forward second year in succession and this year it had expanded to six different districts“I am happy to see the turn out and I hope this will continue over the course of five months”. He said Meanwhile the parents were in full of praise of the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) for organising the baby league as they feel that the initiative would help their tiny tots in learning the skills of the game right from a tender age. “ I thank Meghalaya Football Association for introducing baby league. This is the right initiative towards the right direction. Catch them young for the overall growth at the right time,” said Timing Lyngdoh whose son was playing from Greenergy Lions Langsning. Another parent, Dominic kharmujai said that It is important for children as they will learn about football besides the fact that physical exercise is very important as students these days spend their time mostly watching television and playing with mobile”. Another parent, Kynsai Changreada said that this initiative is important as it takes cares of not just the physical well being of a child but also teaches them discipline and team work which is crucial for their overall development. Arki Nongrum, member of the Meghalaya Football Association said that, he was happy to see the overwhelming support received from parents supporting the cause.