TURA:
Preparations in Tura are in full swing as the town readies itself to host the 5th Meghalaya Games. Colourful hoardings, painted sidewalks, and eye-catching murals dot the landscape, setting the stage for a dynamic event. Athletes from across the state have gathered in Tura, eager to showcase their skills and potential at the games.
President Droupadi Murmu is set to arrive in the afternoon of January 15 to inaugurate the state games for the first time in Tura. Traditional dance troupes are giving their best at the P A Sangma Sports Complex Stadium, where a full dress rehearsal will take place on Sunday.
In the sports arena, football took the spotlight, with the West Garo Hills district shining in the Under 18 boys event. They secured a 5-0 victory against the strong South West Khasi Hills team at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School field, known as the artificial turf football field in Chandmari.
South West Khasi Hills, previously favourites after a convincing 6-0 win against South Garo Hills, face uncertainty. A win against West Garo Hills would have guaranteed them a spot in the semi-finals. The upcoming match between West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills will be closely watched, with goal difference becoming a crucial factor.
Meanwhile, the P A Sangma Stadium and the newly inaugurated Track and Field Athletics Stadium, named after Garo freedom fighter Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma, are ready to host a range of events. The P A Sangma Stadium will host the inaugural program and the semi-final and final matches of the football event, while the Pa Togan Nengminja Stadium is expected to draw crowds for track and field events starting from Monday.
The international standard synthetic tracks at the Pa Togan Nengminja Stadium will witness young athletes competing in sprint and long-distance races, among other events. Tura is on the brink of an exciting chapter in its sporting history as the 5th Meghalaya Games promise to bring forth a showcase of talent and competition.