Shillong, July 25: North Liberty Higher Secondary School, Little Star Higher Secondary School and O.M. Roy Memorial Higher Secondary School were crowned champions in their respective categories as the State-Level Subroto Mukherjee Cup Football Tournament 2026 concluded at the SSA Stadium, Polo, on Saturday.
Organised by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, the five-day tournament brought together the best school football teams from across Meghalaya, showcasing the state’s emerging talent and reinforcing its growing reputation as a footballing hub.
Officials said the tournament reflects the Meghalaya government’s continued commitment under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to strengthen grassroots sports by providing young footballers with opportunities to compete at the highest level and progress to national competitions.
In the Under-15 Boys final, North Liberty Higher Secondary School from West Jaintia Hills defeated Umpohliew Jingtip Higher Secondary School of East Khasi Hills 2-1 to lift the title. Kyrshanlang Chyrmang and Malcolm Nongbsap struck in the opening half to give North Liberty a comfortable lead before Meshanskhem Kharbudon pulled one back late in the match. Despite late pressure, North Liberty held firm to secure the championship.
The Under-17 Girls final produced the most dramatic finish of the tournament. After neither Little Star Higher Secondary School of Eastern West Khasi Hills nor North Liberty could break the deadlock in regulation time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Little Star held their nerve to convert four penalties and clinch the title.
O.M. Roy Memorial Higher Secondary School from East Khasi Hills dominated the Under-17 Boys final, defeating Wapung Higher Secondary School of East Jaintia Hills 3-0. Deiwamut Syiem scored twice before Chesterfield Umsong added the third to complete a convincing victory.
The tournament also recognised outstanding individual performers. Fairland Nengnong, Joplin Thongni and Redimingson Phawa were named Best Goalkeepers in the Under-15 Boys, Under-17 Girls and Under-17 Boys categories respectively.
The Player of the Tournament awards went to Inibait Lamare of North Liberty, Jessica Myrthong of Little Star and Ebenezer Sun of O.M. Roy for their impressive performances throughout the competition.
The closing ceremony celebrated the achievements of the participating teams and acknowledged the spirit of sportsmanship displayed throughout the tournament.
With the state titles decided, North Liberty Higher Secondary School, Little Star Higher Secondary School and O.M. Roy Memorial Higher Secondary School will now represent Meghalaya at the national stage of the prestigious Subroto Mukherjee Cup.
