Shillong, Nov 2: The Tura Golfers Association (TGA) has accused the Shillong Golfers Association (SGA) of discriminatory practices after an upcoming golfer from Garo Hills was denied participation in the recently concluded IIM Shillong Golf Cup Season 17, allegedly without valid reasons.
Addressing media persons on Monday, TGA president Billykid A. Sangma said Washington N. Marak, an amateur golfer from Garo Hills, was informed at the last moment that he was ineligible to participate in the two-day tournament held on October 31 and November 1 at the Shillong Golf Course.
According to Sangma, Marak had completed his registration and paid the entry fee of Rs 2,000. However, on Friday night, just hours before the tournament, he was informed by the organising committee that he could not participate as the competition did not allow professional golfers or caddies, including those who had previously been associated with either category.
Sangma disputed the grounds cited for Marak’s exclusion, maintaining that the golfer was neither registered with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) as a professional golfer nor registered as a caddie with any golf association.
He explained that professional golfers are recognised through registration with the PGTI, while caddies are registered through their respective golf associations. According to him, Marak did not fall under either category and was therefore eligible to participate.
Marak, meanwhile, said he was deeply disappointed by the incident, as he had been looking forward to competing in the tournament. He maintained that he was denied the opportunity without any valid reason.
Marak is a registered member of the Tura Golfers Association and currently has a 6 handicap.
Sangma also highlighted Marak’s humble background and described him as a promising young golfer from Garo Hills. He said participation in the tournament would have provided valuable competitive exposure, particularly as Marak is preparing for the 2027 National Games, which Meghalaya will host.
The TGA president further pointed out that Marak had participated in previous tournaments without facing similar restrictions, making his exclusion from this edition particularly concerning.
In its formal protest letter dated November 1, 2026, submitted to the Shillong Golfers Association, the TGA expressed strong disappointment over Marak’s exclusion. The letter stated that denying him participation after accepting the entry fee and completing the registration process was unfair and inconsistent with the principles of transparency, sportsmanship and professionalism.
The association urged the concerned authorities to provide a clear explanation for the decision and take appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents in future tournaments.
Sangma said the TGA would not tolerate what it considers discriminatory treatment of talented young sportspersons from the state.
Marak is also yet to receive a refund of the Rs 2,000 paid to enter the tournament despite being denied participation.
Meghalaya Sports reached out to SGA officials for their response to the allegations, but they declined to comment.
The TGA is also awaiting a response to its formal complaint and has warned that it may take up the matter with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma if the SGA’s response is unsatisfactory.
