Shillong, May 17: The 1st Wailadmiki Shylla Veterans Knockout Football Tournament 2026 concluded yesterday at Jrisalein Playground in Jowai.
The month-long tournament, which began on April 7, saw 18 teams from across Jowai constituency compete, with only players aged 37 and above eligible. Khimusniang XI clinched the title, defeating Mukhla XI in the final. Mission Compound Combined Lumkyrwiang secured third place.
In a highlight match, a Legends XI led by Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla beat a Kdup Dei Maya XI captained by local MLA Wailadmiki Shylla 4-1.
Individual awards went to Rimika Lyngdoh of Mission Compound for Best Goalkeeper, Charles Sumer of Mukhla XI as Top Scorer, Donbok Bamon of Khimusniang XI as Player of the Match and 63-year-old Carmel Suchiang of Mihmyntdu A as the oldest player. Each received Rs 5,000 and a certificate.
Chief guest Hamlet Dohling, adviser to the Chief Minister and Meghalaya Football Association president, lauded the initiative for “bringing veterans back to the field to inspire younger generations” and proving that “sports are a must even in old age to keep body and mind healthy.”
Adding an agricultural push, 100 orange saplings were also distributed to farmers of Jowai constituency during the closing ceremony.
