East Jantia Hills 3 – 1 Ri Bhoi : U-18 boys football
From Our Correspondent
Tura, Jan 13: The fervor of football took center stage on Saturday as East Jaintia Hills clashed with Ri Bhoi in an early morning showdown, of the U-18 boys football division of the 5th Meghalaya Games 2024.
The clash between these two formidable teams initiated with powerful rallies and strategic attacking maneuvers, setting the stage for a riveting competition.
The first half saw East Jaintia Hills showcasing their superior prowess, establishing a lead by skillfully finding the back of the net.
The intensity on the field was palpable as both teams battled fiercely, and despite a solitary goal difference, Ri Bhoi was determined to mount a comeback in the second half, ensuring the game remained finely balanced.However, the second half unfolded with East Jaintia Hills returning to the field with unwavering confidence, fearless play, and enhanced coordination, resulting in the addition of two more goals to their tally.
Despite Ri Bhoi managing to score once, their valiant efforts fell short, and luck did not favor them.
As the regulation play concluded, the scoreboard stood at 3–1, propelling East Jaintia Hills to the next round in their two-team group, with Ri Bhoi also advancing to the next stage.
In a parallel spectacle of skill and determination, the U-18 Boys’ West Garo Hills team dominated the field on Saturday, securing a resounding victory with a five-goal triumph over South West Khasi Hills.
The home team, hailing from Tura, exhibited exceptional skill at the Govt Boy’s Higher School Playground in Chandmari, Tura, denying the visiting team any opportunities on their own turf.
Despite South West Khasi Hills’ endeavors to salvage pride by scoring at least one goal, West Garo Hills’ defense emerged as an impenetrable fortress. The match concluded with a commanding 5–0 victory for West Garo Hills, marking a triumphant moment for the home team. South West Khasi Hills, having clinched victory in their opening match on Thursday against South Garo Hills by a margin of 6–1, had aspired for another win to secure a coveted spot in the semi-finals.
However, fate took an unexpected turn, and now South West Khasi Hills must closely monitor the upcoming clash between West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills, taking into account the goal difference to determine their standing in the 5th Meghalaya Games 2024 U-18 Boy’s Football Division.
The competition remains fierce, and football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama as teams vie for supremacy in this sporting extravaganza.
This is the first time the Games will be held outside of the state capital, Shillong. This is a big deal for Tura and the Garo Hills region, and it’s sure to be a festive occasion for the whole state.
Tura has been busy preparing for the Games, and several new sporting facilities have been built, including the impressive Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma Athletics Stadium. These facilities will provide a world-class platform for athletes to compete. Athletes from all over Meghalaya will compete in 23 different sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, football, hockey, judo, kabaddi, taekwondo, volleyball, weightlifting, and wrestling.The Games will be held across 16 different venues in Tura.