Tura, Jan 15: The U-18 football teams of West Garo Hills and Ri-Bhoi confirmed their places in the semifinal with commanding performances against South Garo Hills (SGH) and East Jaintia Hills (EJH) respectively.
The two matches took place at the Astro Turf Stadium at Chandmari where Ri-Bhoi routed EJH by 3 goals to nil, while the second match saw WGH decimate SGH, scoring 7 past them. SGH however pushed through a consolation goal with the final score reading 7-1.
For Ri-Bhoi the goal scorers were Riskhem Syiem, Jefree Kyrsain, and N Syngkli.
In the match between WGH and SGH, the scorers were Baltimas K Marak, Nangrim M Sangma, Dimsrang Ch Sangma who scored a goal each while RD Sangma, and Kim Kim D Sangma scored braces.
The football tourney now moves into more serious competition for the Under 18 sides with both WGH and Ri-Bhoi already confirming their places in the semifinals.
The football event of the 5th Meghalaya Games started on January 12.
The highly anticipated Badminton games commenced on Monday at the Tura Indoor Hall in Hawakhana, treating spectators to a display of exceptional skills and talents from players representing various districts.
In the first round of competition Mewanlamkupar of Eastern West Khasi Hills beat Hunbait S Manner from West Jaintia in a close contest with the final scoreline reading 18-21, 21-11, and 23-21.
In the next really close contest Stephan Marwein of East Khasi Hills defeated Biswajit Ghosh from West Garo Hills 2-1 with Stephen winning the 1st and 3rd set while Biswajit pulled one back in the second. The final scoreline read 21-18, 20-22, and 22-20.
Civilo Ch Momin of South West Garo Hills secured a win against Nangkiewshaphrang from Eastern West Khasi hills by 23-21, 21-19. Though Civilo Ch Momin won in straight sets, the contest was extremely close.
In other matches, Gaurav Dutta of West Garo Hills was clinical in his victory over Jefrryford Lyngdoh from West Khasi Hills winning in two sets 21-16, 21-11. Enrique Syiem of Ri-Bhoi rolled over Banshanlang Pariong from West Khasi Hills in straight sets with an easy 21-12, 21-10 victory.
Raynel Kharbuki of East Khasi Hills had an easy outing against Banshanbor Lamare from West Jaintia Hills, winning in straight sets 21-9, 21-14. In another match, Dabiangsakani of West Jaintia Hills hardly broke sweat against Baphishisha Marshillong from West Khasi Hills defeating his rival in another straight set victory, 21-18, 21-12.
