Shillong, Dec 19: Former Home Minister James PK Sangma was on Friday elected as the new President of the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) during the association’s election held at Aranya – The Merin’s Resort in Ri-Bhoi district.
Sangma, representing the Tura District Cricket Association, defeated Sengnab Momin of North Garo Hills and Arwotki Sumer of West Jaintia Hills to secure the top post.
In another key contest, Eddystone Shylla representing West Jaintia Hills District Cricket Association was elected as the new Treasurer of the MCA after defeating Dister Marbaniang of East Khasi Hills District Cricket Association.
The MCA elections, originally scheduled to be held on December 9, were postponed following an order of the High Court of Meghalaya after a writ petition was filed by the Shillong Cricket Association (SCA).
The polls were eventually conducted only for two posts, while the remaining positions were filled uncontested.
Present Honorary Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni of Ri-Bhoi District Cricket Association was elected unopposed for a first full-term. Mebanphira Swer of West Khasi Hills District Cricket Association was elected uncontested as Honorary Joint Secretary, while Rajiv Bareh of East Jaintia Hills District Cricket Association and Chuba R. Marak of South Garo Hills District Cricket Association were elected unopposed as Vice President and Apex Council Member respectively.
The election was conducted by Electoral Officer Hemanta Narzary, with representatives from all 12 District Cricket Associations participating and casting their votes.
Formally declaring the results, the Electoral Officer said, “In pursuance of the provisions contained in the MCA Rules and Procedure for the conduct of election to the post of office bearers of the MCA, I hereby declare that James Pangsang Kongkal Sangma of the Tura District Cricket Association has been duly elected to fill the post of President in the Apex Council of the Meghalaya Cricket Association.”
Reacting to his election, Sangma, in a post on Instagram, said he was honoured and humbled to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the MCA.
He thanked the affiliated district associations, office bearers, players, coaches and supporters for their confidence in him.
“This mandate is a responsibility to work tirelessly for transparent governance, better infrastructure and more opportunities for our young cricketers across Meghalaya,” Sangma said.
He further added that he looks forward to working closely with the MCA family, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and all stakeholders to strengthen cricket in the state and make Meghalaya a competitive force at the national level.
