Shillong, Sep 10: The much-anticipated Big Futsal Fest, organized by Big FM, officially kicked off today, marking the start of Shillong’s first-ever inter-office futsal tournament. The event, designed to foster camaraderie and teamwork among government and corporate offices, saw a series of high-energy, high-scoring games that left the spectators entertained.
The opening ceremony of the tournament was graced by Meghalaya’s Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri and cabinet minister Alexander L Hek. Both dignitaries expressed their enthusiasm for the event and the role it plays in promoting football and fitness among working professionals in the city.
The tournament, which is being played in a knockout format, has drawn participation from 16 teams representing various government and corporate offices across the city. Langkyrding in Shillong serves as the venue for this exciting competition, where teams are battling it out for supremacy on the futsal field.
The opening day of the tournament witnessed four action-packed matches that set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling week of futsal. In the first match, NEEPCO showcased their dominance, defeating ITI Shillong 7-2. The star of the match was David Kurkalang, who netted four goals for his team, delivering a memorable performance that delighted fans.
The second game saw AG Meghalaya cruise past Banalari Motors with a comfortable 4-1 victory. AG Meghalaya, known for their skilled players, displayed their prowess with a solid all-around performance.
However, the most thrilling encounter of the day came in the third match between MeECL and the SP’s Office from East Khasi Hills. It was a rollercoaster of emotions for both sides, with goals flying in from all directions. MeECL narrowly edged out their opponents with a dramatic 7-6 win, leaving the spectators on the edge of their seats till the final whistle.
The day’s final match pitted PHE Department against MUDA, where the former delivered a commanding performance to win 7-3. PHE’s relentless attack and solid defense left MUDA struggling to keep up, sealing their fate in the first round of the tournament.