Williamnagar, Oct 31: The Hills Youth Carnival commenced on a high note with one-day men’s basketball tournament organised by the Combined Youth Club (CYC) at Loyola College, Williamnagar, on Friday, culminating in a thrilling finale where GForce of Tura edged past Spunks 44–43 in overtime to lift the championship title.
The tournament was sponsored by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma along with assistance from Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla.
The tournament brought together eight teams from across Garo Hills, namely Waklok, Didram Warriors, Loyola College, Obsidian, G-Force, Spunks, 7 Stars and Rongbang Legends, providing an exciting platform for basketball enthusiasts to showcase their skills and competitive spirit.
The competition followed a knockout format, with the winning teams progressing to the semi-finals. In the first semi-final, Spunks secured a hard-fought victory over Loyola College in an intensely contested encounter. The second semi-final witnessed another closely fought contest, with GForce overcoming Rongbang Legends to book their place in the championship showdown.
The grand finale between GForce and Spunks proved to be the highlight of the tournament, as both sides produced an enthralling display of skill, determination and resilience. With the lead changing hands repeatedly, neither team was willing to give an inch.
Spunks appeared to be heading towards victory after establishing a three-point lead in the final quarter. However, with only seconds remaining on the clock, Bornsnar delivered a clutch three-pointer for GForce, bringing the scores level at 37–37 and forcing the championship decider into overtime.
The additional period was equally gripping, with both teams battling fiercely in a closely contested finish. GForce managed to establish a slender one-point advantage, leaving Spunks with one final opportunity to turn the game around. Awarded two free throws with just three seconds remaining, Prabhat Kumar Singh stepped up to the line but was unable to convert either attempt, allowing GForce to hold on to its narrow lead and seal a dramatic 44–43 victory.
At the conclusion of the tournament, GForce of Tura were crowned champions and received a cash prize of ₹30,000 along with certificates, while runners-up Spunks took home ₹10,000 and certificates. Chigam Sangma was recognised as the Youngest Emerging Player of the Tournament, while Prabhat Kumar Singh was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Fr. (Dr.) Melvil Pereira, SJ, Director of Loyola College, Williamnagar, attended the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he expressed gratitude to the participating teams, spectators, referees and everyone who contributed towards the successful conduct of the tournament. He also highlighted the importance of organising sporting events, particularly basketball tournaments, in providing young people with opportunities to develop their talents, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the sporting event, the tournament was also integrated with the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme (CM-MGMP). Music artists Noga Sangma and Enosh Sangma enthralled the gathering with their performances, creating an electrifying atmosphere and keeping the audience entertained beyond the basketball court.
The organisers further indicated that similar sporting activities and events would also be organised in Tura in the coming days, with the aim of providing more platforms for young athletes to showcase their abilities, encouraging greater participation in sports and strengthening the sporting culture across Garo Hills.
The successful commencement of the Hills Youth Carnival through the basketball tournament brought together sports, music and community participation, setting an energetic tone for the carnival and celebrating the talent and enthusiasm of young people across Garo Hills.
