Shillong, October 18: Mawlai Parish and Mawiong Parish emerged as overall champions in the Inter-Parish Football Tournament (Zone-1) organised by the Synjuk ki Seng Rangbah Katholik, Shillong Archdiocese. The competition concluded on Saturday at the Mawlai Madan HEH Phudmuri Football Ground.
Out of the six parishes under Zone-1, five — Mawlai, Mawiong, Mawtawar, Mawprem, and Pynthorumkhrah — participated in the event, while Mawkhar Parish did not take part.
Before the start of the final, Rev. Fr. Teles Nonglang, Parish Priest of Mawlai, offered the opening blessing in the presence of Mr. Stenis L. Nongkynrih, President of the Synjuk; Mr. Germanystar Rani, Vice-President; and members of the Catholic Mothers’ Association.
In the Below 40 years category, Mawiong Parish lifted the title after edging Mawlai Parish 4–3 in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw in regulation time. With no extra time allotted, penalties decided the outcome in dramatic fashion.
In the Above 40 years category, Mawlai Parish displayed dominant form to claim the championship, defeating Pynthorumkhrah Parish 5–1 in the final.
Individual Awards:
Top Scorer (Above 40): Mr. Angelus Biam (Mawlai Parish)
Top Scorer (Below 40): Mr. Kenny Lynrah (Mawlai Parish)
Best Goalkeeper (Above 40): Mr. G. Lamare (Mawlai Parish)
Best Goalkeeper (Below 40): Mr. Freddy Nongrum (Mawlai Parish)
All four individual awards were bagged by players from Mawlai Parish, underlining the parish’s consistent excellence across categories.
The closing ceremony was graced by Mr. Gabriel Wahlang, MLA of Nongstoin, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. P.T. Sawkmie, former MLA, as the Guest of Honour.
The tournament successfully fostered fellowship and sportsmanship among parishioners, reinforcing the role of sports in strengthening community bonds within the Shillong Archdiocese.
