TURA, Jan 14: One of the biggest extravaganzas of the Garo Hills region, the annual day/night cricket tournament got off to a rousing start today, at the Police Parade ground in the town of Tura.
The more than 2 week tournament will see 92 teams vying to win Rs 3 lakh that will go to the eventual winners. The final will be played on Jan 30.
The tournament today was kicked off by the chairman of the GHADC, Rakesh Sangma, who himself has been a cricket aficionado and played active cricket till about a few years ago.
Named the CM’s Day/Night Cup, the event is being organized by the Amra Sobai Club in collaboration with the state’s chief minister, Conrad Sangma, who is also the MLA of South Tura, one of the two constituencies in the town.
Matches will be played on a knockout basis and will see about 6-7 matches being played on a daily basis. The final will be held on Jan 30 with the Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, expected to grace the occasion. It will also be a part of the 50 years of statehood celebrations.
The opening saw the presence of the Chairman of the GHADC, Rakesh Sangma as the chief guest along with Nathual Marak, Linekar Sangma and Arbinstone Sangma. Rakesh declared the tournament open. The first match was an exhibition played between Tura Legends and TP Prince X to kick start proceedings.