Raphael Warjri

Shillong, January 13, 2024: Colourful hoardings, painted sidewalks and eye-catching murals dot the landscape of Tura with just two more days for the official launch of the much-anticipated 5th Meghalaya Games. The atmosphere is electrifying with athletes from across the state having descended in town to showcase their talent and potential at the games.

 As Tura prepares to welcome President Droupadi Murmu on January 15th afternoon to launch the state games for the first time in Tura, traditional dance troupes have been giving their best at practice here at the P A Sangma Sports Complex Stadium and a full dress rehearsal is taking place on Sunday.

 On the sporting events side, football was the show of the day and West Garo Hills district was the star of the event having defeated powerful opponents South West Khasi Hills team in a brilliant display of skill in the Under 18 boys event at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School field, better known as the artificial turf football field in Chandmari. Hosts West Garo Hills team trounced South West Khasi Hills 5-0 in the match. South West Khasi Hills had been favourites after having clinched their opening match 6-1 on Thursday against the South Garo Hills team. A win against West Garo Hills would have secured the guests a berth in the semi-finals. West Garo Hills faces South Garo Hills in the next match and the goal difference will be keenly watched.

Meanwhile, the P A Sangma stadium and the newly inaugurated Track and Field Athletics Stadium named after famous Garo freedom fighter ‘Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma’ is up and ready to host a multitude of events.

While the main P A Sangma Stadium will only host the inaugural programme and the semi final and final matches of the football event, the Pa Togan Nengminja Stadium is expected to draw crowds in thousands as the track and field events get underway from Monday.

The international standard synthetic tracks will be a sight to see for many as the young athletes compete in sprint and long distance races, among other events.