Officers FC defeated MLA FC by a huge margin 5-0 during an exhibition match held at the JN Stadium Complex, Polo here to celebrate National Sports Day.
The MLA FC were no match for the Officers FC who dominated the game right from the start.
National Sports Day, celebrated on the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, is a tribute to his remarkable contributions to Indian sports.
Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Isawanda Laloo said this year’s celebration was a true testament to the state’s dedication to nurturing and encouraging sporting talent.
An entire week was dedicated to honouring the spirit of sports through a series of exhilarating events which concluded today.
A procession of fitness enthusiasts, mainly government employees embarked on a ‘walk to work’, symbolizing the importance of an active lifestyle while the JN Stadium tennis court buzzed with excitement as athletes from various disciplines congregated to receive cash awards in recognition of their outstanding performances.
During the day various sports persons were also felicitated with cash awards for their efforts in bringing laurels to the state and the country as a whole. These include 1 athlete and 1 coach from the Meghalaya Archery Association, 18 athletes and 3 coaches from the Meghalaya Boxing Association, 18 athletes and 2 coaches from the Meghalaya Football Association, 84 athletes and 3 coaches from the All Meghalaya Karate-Do Association, 10 athletes and 3 coaches from the Meghalaya Judo Association and 4 athletes and 1 coach from the Meghalaya Sports Climbing and Mountaineering Association.
Sports Persons in the Non Olympic Sports Discipline were also felicitated with cash awards; 4 athletes and 1 coach from the Meghalaya Wushu Association, 7 athletes and 1 coach from the Meghalaya Arm Wrestling Association, 37 athletes and 5 coaches from the Muay Thai Association of Meghalaya and 30 athletes and 2 coaches from the Meghalaya Jeet Kune-Do Association.
Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri also announced the launch of “Meghafit” program, a flagship initiative aimed at making fitness and health accessible and appealing to the citizens of the state, thereby fostering overall well-being.
Laloo said throughout the week, a diverse array of sports competitions captivated participants of all ages and skill levels. From the invigorating 5K Fitness Run to riveting football matches, the event showcased a spectrum of talent and determination. Events like badminton, table tennis, futsal, basketball, cricket, athletics, archery, carrom, and more encapsulated the true essence of sportsmanship.