Tura, Sept 28, 2025: The curtains came down on the 5th Inter Mahari Men’s Football Tournament and the 3rd Inter Mahari Women’s Football Tournament on Saturday with Chambugong and Mangsang Mahari emerging champions at the P. A. Sangma Stadium, Dakopgre, Tura.

The community tournament, which draws together Maharis (clans) of the Garo tribe, saw packed stands as supporters cheered passionately for their teams, turning the finals into a vibrant celebration of unity and cultural pride.

In the women’s final, Dodime Domanchi M. Sangma scored in the 12th minute of the first half to hand Mangsang Mahari a 1–0 victory over Gabil Mahari. Chambugong Mahari lifted the men’s title after striking two goals in the second half to seal a 2–0 win over Manda Mahari.

Chief Guest Arbinstone B. Marak, MLA of 48-Selsella Constituency, in his address, urged athletes to embrace healthy lifestyles through sports and praised the organisers for fostering unity, bonding, and togetherness among the Maharis. He was joined by West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, MDC Nathawal S. Marak, SP (Traffic) F. Rahman, SP Incharge and SP Fire & Emergency Services Bruno A. Sangma, TMB Chairman J. D. Sangma, and West Garo Hills District Sports Officer (DSO) Saljagring Marak along with other officials.

Award Highlights:

Women’s Division: Champion – Mangsang Mahari; Runner Up – Gabil Mahari; Player of the Final – Dodime Domanchi M. Sangma; Player of the Tournament – Norik G. Momin; Top Scorer – Cheambi D. Sangma; Best Goalkeeper – Nokambe M. Marak; Best Discipline – Dangsu Mahari.

Men’s Division: Champion – Chambugong Mahari; Runner Up – Manda Mahari; Player of the Final – Wensbirth K. Marak; Player of the Tournament – Mittilson M. Sangma; Top Scorer – Tremarchwal Ch. Marak (12 goals); Best Goalkeeper – Chesrang A. Sangma; Best Discipline – A•we Mahari; Oldest Player – Bruce P. Marak; Best Team Management – Fioritha N. Marak.

The tournament once again highlighted the region’s sporting talent while strengthening community spirit and cultural identity through football.