Nongpoh, October 7: The Nongpoh Sports Association on Wednesday began the third edition of the Inter-Office Football Tournament 2026, providing government employees from different offices across Ri Bhoi district an opportunity to participate in sports and refresh themselves alongside their official duties.

The tournament, organised under the leadership of Nongpoh Sports Association President Joseph Lambok Rymbai and Secretary Robert Thabah, features 16 government offices and departments from across Ri Bhoi district.

The tournament is being conducted in a league-cum-knockout format.

The opening ceremony was attended by Coudon Lohar, State Secretary of the OBC Morcha, BJP Meghalaya, as the chief guest. Paulstar Nongrum, Acting President of the Ri Bhoi District Sports Association (RBDSA), attended as the guest of honour. Nongpoh Sports Association President Joseph Lambok Rymbai, Secretary Robert Thabah, Dr Poshan, In-charge of Bethany Hospital, Nongpoh, and other guests were also present.

The opening match saw Meghalaya Police Academy (MPA) take on the Meghalaya Police 6th Battalion in a closely contested encounter.

Despite efforts from both sides to find the net, neither team could break the deadlock throughout the first and second halves. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with both teams sharing a point each.

The tournament will continue on Thursday with DMHO facing DC Office at 1:30 pm, followed by MPA (B) taking on DTO at 3 pm.