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Tura, Nov. 3, 2025:
The spirit of youth and Sportsmanship took Centre Stage at the District Level Under-12 Grassroot Centre Football Tournament 2025, held at the PA. Sangma Stadium, Tura, on Saturday. Organized by the District Sports Office (DSO), West Garo Hills, with the assistance from the District Administration, one-day event aimed at nurturing young footballers by providing them both training and valuable tournament experience to enhance their skills and confidence.

A total of 13 grassroots centres from across the district participated, fielding 288 young athletes — comprising three girls’ teams and thirteen boys’ teams. The participating centres included Tura, Asanang, Babadam, Selsella, Batabari, Kherapara, Gambergre, Phulbari, Tikrikilla, Dadenggre, Raksamgre, Jengjal, and Dalu. Matches were played in a lively 30-minute format (15 minutes per half), ensuring fast-paced and engaging football throughout the day.

In the girls’ category, the Batabari Grassroot Centre emerged as champions, with Kherapara Grassroot Centre finishing as runners-up. The Best Player Award was conferred upon Balrimchi M. Marak of Batabari Grassroot Centre.
In the boys’ category, the Tura Grassroot Centre lifted the championship title, while Raksamgre Grassroot Centre secured the runner-up position. Biltango Pakchara Ch. Momin of Tura Grassroot Centre was adjudged the Best Player for his outstanding performance.

Speaking to media representatives, Saljagring M. Marak, District Sports Officer (DSO), West Garo Hills, explained the motivation behind organizing the event. He said, “This tournament was organised for young athletes who have been receiving coaching in the grassroots centres. Until now, no competitive tournaments were being held for them, so we, in collaboration with the District Football Association, initiated this event to ensure that these budding players not only receive training but also get the opportunity to play in tournaments and stay motivated.”

He further informed that in West Garo Hills district, there are 13 Grassroot Centres and one Advanced Centre, established under the ‘Mission Football’ initiative of the Government of Meghalaya, which provides young boys and girls from rural areas an opportunity to learn and excel in football from an early age.

“The coaches in these centres are either senior players or individuals who have represented the district or state in the past. In our district, there are around eight D-License certified coaches, while the remaining are trained under the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs,” Marak added.

The District Sports Officer also announced that a similar tournament is being planned for 2026, expressing confidence that such events will act as a vital platform for young footballers to gain experience and prepare for higher levels of competition.

The event concluded successfully, highlighting the district’s growing commitment to youth and sports development, and reaffirming the government’s vision of transforming Meghalaya into a hub for football excellence through sustained grassroots initiatives.