Tura, Aug 11: Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School (GBHSS), Tura, were crowned champions of the District-Level SPANDAN League (Under-18) Football Tournament after defeating Rongram United Secondary School 3-0 in the final at the Don Bosco Higher Secondary School field on Tuesday.
GBHSS dominated the opening half, putting Rongram United under sustained pressure and taking a 2-0 lead into the break.
Rongram United showed greater possession after the interval and appeared to gain momentum, but GBHSS remained composed and continued to threaten in attack. Their tactical coordination and clinical finishing eventually produced a third goal, putting the result beyond doubt and securing the championship for the Tura-based school.
Rongkhon Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Tura, finished third in the tournament.
The tournament was organised by the 144 Battalion BSF under the Sports for Peace and Development (SPANDAN) Programme of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Khelo India initiative. The competition was held as part of the Border Security Force’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, with the programme aimed at promoting youth empowerment, discipline and community harmony across West Garo Hills.
The SPANDAN League is a grassroots sports initiative aimed at engaging young people through competitive sports, including football, volleyball and basketball, while providing them with opportunities to develop teamwork, discipline and sporting skills.
The closing ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Lalit Mohan Sharma, DIG, Sector Headquarters BSF Tura, who witnessed the final and presented the awards along with senior BSF officials and other dignitaries.
Addressing the players, Sharma encouraged the young participants to adopt healthy and disciplined lifestyles, while emphasising the long-term benefits of taking part in sports. He also praised all the participating teams for displaying sporting spirit throughout the tournament and congratulated the winners and individual award recipients.
Marc R. Marak of GBHSS Tura was named the Best Player of the tournament for his performances throughout the competition. Raksrang Jerik A. Sangma of Rongram United Secondary School received the Best Goalkeeper award, while Jehoshbat A. Sangma of Rongram Higher Secondary School was named Top Scorer.
The tournament concluded with the presentation of trophies, medals and cash prizes. The champions received Rs. 6,000, while the runners-up were awarded Rs. 4,000 and the third-placed team received Rs. 3,000.
