Meghalaya Youth League 2024 kicks off successfully across the state

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 21, 2024

The inaugural edition of the Meghalaya Youth League 2024 kicked off successfully at various venues across the state on Saturday.

Zone B, covering Jaintia Hills, witnessed some of the closest matches and contrasting results between the U-14 and U-16 teams. In the U-14 category, Saipung Block Sports Association edged out East Jaintia District Football Association with a 2-1 victory. However, in the U-16 division, the scoreline was reversed as East Jaintia emerged victorious over Saipung with a 2-1 win. Additionally, Amlarem Block Sports Association secured victories in both the U-14 and U-16 matches against Laskein Block Sports Association, winning 4-1 and 1-0 respectively. Notably, Emon Mylliem scored a hat-trick in the U-14 contest for Amlarem.

In Zone A, covering Garo Hills, only one match took place in the U-14 category, where Tura District Football Association dominated Baghmara District Football Association with a 13-0 victory. Hat-tricks were scored by Watching K Marak, Chegado Ch Marak, and Adoweanga R Marak.

In Shillong, Zone C began with Shillong Sports Association hosting Ri-Bhoi District Sports Association. The visitors triumphed in both age groups, winning the U-14 match 3-0 and the U-16 game 3-2. Despite the scoreline, Shillong had almost as many scoring opportunities as Ri-Bhoi but failed to convert them.

Additionally, an U-16 match in Jirang between Western Ri-Bhoi Sports Association and Riwar Mihngi Football Association was canceled due to heavy rain, resulting in both sides being awarded 1 point each.

Zone D, the largest zone with six teams, featured three matches on the opening day. Nongstoin District Sports Association, Mawkyrwat District Sports Association, and Pyndengumiong District Sports Association all secured big wins in the U-14 age group. Nongstoin defeated Eastern Border Sports Association 7-0, Mawkyrwat beat Tyrsad Area Sports Association 3-0, and Pyndengumiong triumphed over Mawshynrut Sports Association 5-0.

In the U-16 event, Nongstoin came from behind to beat Eastern Border 6-1, while Mawkyrwat edged out Tyrsad 1-0. A closely contested match between Pyndengumiong and Mawshynrut at Dommawlum Playground ended in a 3-3 draw.

The exciting day of youth football concluded with 62 goals scored by 50 different players, setting a high benchmark for the matches to come. The next round will be played on July 27.