Meghalaya team leaves for national games

Shillong, Feb 07 (UNI) A contingent of 60 including team officials, will represent Meghalaya in the 33rd National Games which begins at Guwahati on February 9.

Bansaralin Dhar, who represented the country in archery, will be the flag bearer of the Meghalaya team.

The state will participate in five disciplines - archery, athletics, boxing, judo and football. The selection of Meghalaya's football team was announced yesterday.

Speaking as chief guest at the YMCA youth hostel on the occasion of send-off ceremony today, Meghalaya Sports Minister Paul Lyngdoh announced the enhancement of cash incentives to those sportspersons who brings the medals to the state's coffer.

The incentives for football if won would be Rs 2 lakh, for runners up it would be Rs 1 lakh and for other four disciplines the gold would fetch Rs 30,000, silver Rs 20,000 and bronze Rs 10,000.

Meghalaya football team has qualified to play in the National Games football event after the favourite Goa football team's withdrawal in the last minute.

Mr Lyngdoh expressed hope that the players would bring the laurels to the state.

Mr B.Diengdoh is the team's Chef-de-Mission.

UNI