Shillong, Sept 22: Chambugong Mahari were crowned champions of the 6th Men’s Inter Mahari Football Tournament after defeating Do’po Mahari 4-1 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at the P.A. Sangma Stadium in Tura on Monday.
The final, played over 30-minute halves, saw both teams battle closely for the title. Chambugong took the lead in the 21st minute through Tremarchwal Ch. Marak, but Do’po responded in the 40th minute when Riknang R. Marak found the equaliser.
The match remained level at 1-1 until the end of regulation time, sending the final to a penalty shootout. Chambugong converted all four of their attempts, while Do’po managed to score only once from their three spot-kicks.
The physical contest also saw two players booked. Chambugong’s Armon Ch. Marak received a yellow card for a foul in the 40th minute, while Do’po’s Greatbath D. Sangma was booked in the 48th minute.
The final drew a large crowd to the P.A. Sangma Stadium, with supporters turning up to back their respective Maharis. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma was among those in attendance, witnessing the men’s final along with the women’s final.
The final was also attended by Rangsakona MLA Subir Marak, West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Agarwal and Tura Municipal Board Chairman J. D. Sangma, among other officials and invited guests.
In the individual awards, Do’po’s Riknang R. Marak was named Best Player of the Tournament, while Chambugong’s Bentom Ch. Marak received the Best Player of the Match award.
Chekam Tangrik B. Marak of Bolwari finished as the tournament’s highest scorer with 17 goals, while Chambugong’s Chesrang A. Sangma was named Best Goalkeeper. Mrong Mahari received the Best Discipline Mahari award.
The tournament featured 52 teams representing different Maharis, with the state government sanctioning Rs. 11 lakh through the Chief Minister’s Special Grant (CMSG), besides Rs. 5.2 lakh for the participating teams.
During the half-time break of the men’s final, Chonu Marak performed a cover of “Nono-ma-de Bilsi Sotbri”, followed by a performance of “Nang Mikchian Tipjaode” by the Tura Music Academy.
With Chambugong’s victory, the 6th Men’s Inter Mahari Football Tournament came to a close, with the champions lifting the title after a closely contested final decided from the penalty spot.
