Meghalaya: Touchline NE fast becoming Shillong’s go to sports organization!

Touchline NE, a sports promotion organization which is fast gaining popularity in the region recently hosted the 3X3 basketball carnival which was a huge success. The Northeast region has always had huge pull towards sports and with footballers from the region being the majority in the major leagues in the country, the popularity of basketball is also surging. Touchline which has focused more or less on football has now turned its focus on basketball. Interacting with the players at the event, it was evident that this was one event that every single player in Shillong looked forward to all year long. The first edition of the event took place last year, and although it was a success, it was nothing compared to the success and popularity of this year.

Mizoram has one of the best basketball leagues in the country with the Mizoram Super League and there was also a player from the MSL who took part in Touchline's sporting carnival. The atmosphere at the event was great with hundreds of people watching the games and enjoying the laid back atmosphere. Teams from Assam also made their way to the event and although they lost out in the group stages, they had a great time meeting other like-minded players.

What was also brilliant to see was the number of girls competing in the tournament. The girls, most of who play for their respective colleges were very competitive. What was however lacking was the number of people who came to cheer for the girls which was comparatively less as compared to the crowd that cheered on the boys' matches.

Players as young as 15 to players in their 40's took part in the event and every single one brought their A game. Age was literally just a number as most of the games were very evenly matched. Dreamkillers won the men's category while Cotorie A won the women's. The competition was of very high standards with scores ending very tight.

Many of the older players expressed how this is the only tournament they get to compete in as most basketball tournaments are focused on University students but with the event being open for all, they wait all year for it.

 "Organizing an event calls for addressing a lot of issues- it is welcoming to see that the aspect of waste management was also care of and dustbins provided by the SMB were strategically placed at the venue. I hope this will set a trend for other event organizers to consider waste management as part of their planning," said the Environmental Engineer's desk, MSPCB.

The initiative taken by Touchline is a great hit with the youngsters in the state and also parents who are greatly anticipating their next event. With sports being a great way to channel the children (and adults') energy, we look forward to more sporting goodness and some great competition.

(TNT Desk)