Tura, June 26: The second edition of the Inter Mahari Basketball Tournament 2026, also known as the Tura Challenge, got underway on Friday at the Don Bosco College Basketball Court, with 30 teams from across the Garo Hills competing in the month-long tournament.
Organised by the Krimkro Socio Cultural Club in collaboration with the District Sports Office and the District Basketball Association, Tura, and sponsored by Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, the tournament will conclude on July 17. The competition features 22 men’s teams and eight women’s teams, with matches to be played in a league format followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals and final.
The opening fixture saw Koksi Mahari take on A•gitok Mahari. Koksi Mahari started strongly and raced to an early eight-point advantage in the opening quarter, with Chesbirth leading the scoring. A•gitok Mahari found it difficult to settle into the contest and trailed after the first period.
The game turned in the second quarter as A•gitok Mahari found their rhythm. D. Nangkam and Levio led the fightback, helping their side take control through disciplined team play. Levio produced the standout performance of the match, scoring seven three-pointers as A•gitok pulled away to register a convincing 71-40 victory over Koksi Mahari.
Krimkro Socio Cultural Club president Walseng Ch. Sangma explained that the tournament has been organized to strengthen ties among different Maharis through sport. Sangma added that the tournament also aims to identify promising young basketball players by providing them with an opportunity to compete and showcase their talent.
The tournament is being co-sponsored by the State Bank of India (SBI), the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs and A-Care Hospitals.
