Shillong, Jan 31: Maintaining an astonishing unbeaten run from the group stage, Meghalaya lifted the champions’ trophy of the Men’s Football division of Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai on Wednesday by overpowering Punjab 2 – 0.
In an intense showdown against Punjab, Badondor Marbaniang seized the spotlight with two crucial goals, securing the championship for Meghalaya. The leadership of Captain Colinsalmon Lyngdoh played a pivotal role in the team’s success throughout the tournament.
Placed in Group A alongside formidable opponents such as Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya asserted their dominance by topping the group and advancing to the semifinals. In the first match, Meghalaya triumphed over Uttar Pradesh with a convincing 4-1 victory. Also, hard-fought battle saw Meghalaya emerge victorious against Punjab with a score of 2-1. Moreover, in another closely contested match, Meghalaya secured a 2-1 win against Tamil Nadu.
The semifinal clash against Jharkhand proved to be a high-octane encounter, with Meghalaya securing a thrilling 5-3 victory. Mebanlamlynti Marsharing’s outstanding hat-trick during this match solidified his position as Meghalaya’s top scorer, tallying an impressive 7 goals in the tournament.
In response to the team’s stellar success, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, expressed his elation, stating, “This victory not only brings pride to Meghalaya but also showcases the immense talent and dedication of our youth. Congratulations to Team Meghalaya for their outstanding performance and bringing home the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 championship. This triumph is a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship and hard work that defines our state.”
Proud of Team Meghalaya for winning the Khelo India Youth Games 2024!! The team played all the matches as champions from the start and we are so glad to see them shine on a national platform. Congratulations boys! @narendramodi @ianuragthakur @IndiaSports @kheloindia pic.twitter.com/Jf9qVvpwGe
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) January 31, 2024
Speaking on the sidelines of the victory, Meghalaya Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri stated, “The triumphant success of Meghalaya football team in the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sports infrastructure development and investment. The state’s dedication to creating top-notch facilities and fostering a culture of athletic excellence has played a pivotal role in achieving this remarkable victory.”
Meghalaya team’s coaching staff was led by Head Coach and CDM Jeffrey Walarpih, aided by Coach Beneslaus Khyriem and Manager Andy Lyngdoh Nongpiur.
The journey: From selection to perfection
The journey commenced with a rigorous selection trial on January 4 – 5, 2024, followed by an intensive Coaching cum Selection Camp from January 6- 17, 2024, where 25 skilled players were chosen to represent Meghalaya on the national stage.
A grand send-off programme was organised on January 16, 2024, hosted by renowned football coach of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA), Khlain Pyrkhat Syiemlieh. The programme was attended by prominent figures, including Hamlet Dohling, President of the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA), Cliff Nongrum, Vice President of MFA, Freddy Kharpran, Convenor of the Youth Cell at MFA, Ailad K. Kynta, a distinguished player from Meghalaya, and members of the DSYA.
The team embarked on their journey from Shillong on January 17, 2024, and subsequently departed from Guwahati Airport on January 19, 2024, geared up for the challenge that awaited them in the Khelo India Youth Games.
Additionally, the team is scheduled to return from Tamil Nadu on February 1, 2024, departing from Chennai’s international airport. A formal reception, including a roadshow and felicitation, has been arranged to warmly receive the team upon their arrival.
Meghalaya fails to make a mark at Khelo India Youth Games 2023
The Khelo India Youth Games 2023 or the 6th edition of Khelo India Youth Games was held from January 19 to 31, 2024 at Tamil Nadu across four cities: Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, and Coimbatore. Maharashtra emerged as the winner of the games with the highest medal tally of 158 medals – 57 gold, 48 silver, and 53 bronze medals.
Host Tamil Nadu secured the second spot with a medal tally of 98, winning 38 gold, 21 silver, and 39 bronze medals.
Meghalaya, on the other hand, stood at 24th position by winning just 1 medal, which was the Gold in Football, won on Wednesday, the last day of the Games.
