Meghalaya

Apex Council members of the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) have cleared support for the Khasi Students’ Union as it prepares for its annual Maitshaphrang Khasi League, a T20 tournament aimed at developing cricket among Khasi youth. MCA honorary secretary Rayonald Kharkamni said the association will provide technical guidance and other assistance to strengthen the competition, which has become a key platform for introducing structured cricket to young tribal players. He added that the MCA is exploring a parallel initiative in the Garo Hills, with vice-president Sengnab Momin overseeing early discussions. The move signals a broader push to widen access to the sport across the state. In recent years, Meghalaya has expanded its grassroots cricket programmes through school-level activi...

The Meghalaya Cabinet on November 14 approved a series of key decisions, including the acquisition of 35 acres of land in New Shillong Township, amendments to the rules governing Group D recruitment, and a revision of the state’s fiscal deficit ceiling. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the newly approved land at Tynring will serve as a crucial corridor linking the Administrative City and the Knowledge City within New Shillong, while also facilitating the proposed relocation of the Central Jail. He said the expansion is essential to ensure seamless connectivity as the government continues to develop the new township. The cabinet also resolved a long-standing ambiguity in recruitment norms for Group D staff by approving an amendment to Rule 6 of the Meghalaya Ministerial District Est...

Local football enthusiasts are set for a thrilling evening as Rangdajied United and Shillong Lajong face off in the final of the first-ever SSA Super Cup at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo. Kick-off is scheduled for 5 pm, with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla attending as chief guest and guest of honour, underscoring the match’s significance for Meghalaya football. The two clubs share a fierce rivalry that has spanned more than a decade, with memorable encounters in the Shillong Premier League (SPL), Meghalaya State League (MSL), Durand Cup, and even the I-League during the 2013–14 season. While few current players were active during those early years, the competitive spirit between the clubs remains as intense as ever. Shillong...

In a major step towards shaping the future of combat sports in the state, the Meghalaya Wrestling Association (MWA), in collaboration with Sportality, unveiled an ambitious plan to prepare athletes for the National Games 2027 and beyond. Officials from the Meghalaya Wrestling Association announced that Sportality — a global leader in high-performance sports training — will provide expert coaching support and technical guidance to Meghalaya’s athletes, focusing primarily on wrestling and judo. “Sportality’s involvement will not only help us strengthen our base for the upcoming National Games but also ensure long-term athlete development targeting the Commonwealth Games, the 2028 Youth Olympic Games, the 2032 and 2036 Olympics,” officials stated. The association emphasized that this coll...

Jakrem SC made history on Wednesday evening by winning the first-ever Meghalaya Women’s State League (MWSL) title, overturning a one-goal deficit to defeat Na Rympei Football Academy 2-1 in a pulsating final at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo. Na Rympei, representing the Ri-Bhoi District Sports Association, took an early lead in the 14th minute through forward Pynhun Shulet, capitalizing on a rare lapse in Jakrem’s defense. However, Jakrem, playing under the Mawkyrwat District Sports Association, staged a determined comeback in the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when a Na Rympei defender inadvertently deflected the ball into her own net, leveling the score. The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute when Iaphisha Marbaniang fired a looping strike from the ...

In a grand celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, a total of 305 young scouts and guides from across the state were honoured with the Governor’s Award on Monday at Raj Bhavan, Shillong. Governor CH Vijayashankar presented the Rajya Puraskar certificates to 80 scouts and 225 guides from various schools, recognising their exceptional dedication and achievements in scouting and guiding activities. In a special highlight of the event, two guides from Ri Bhoi District were also conferred the Rashtrapati Award, the highest national honour in the movement. Addressing the young awardees, the Governor underscored the movement’s pivotal role in promoting environmental conservation. He urged participants to actively engage in tree planting and protect ...

In a swift late-night operation, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of Meghalaya intercepted a major drug trafficking attempt at ISBT Junction, Mawiong. Acting on a tip-off, the team set up a naka on the night of November 10, 2025, and stopped a motorcycle (Regn. No. ML05 AE 4379) coming from Guwahati towards Shillong.The motorcycle was ridden by Ajit Kumar Rai with Gulshan Singh as the pillion. In the presence of independent witnesses, ANTF personnel conducted a body search of both individuals, leading to a shocking recovery — a soap box containing suspected heroin from Gulshan Singh and 39 Nitrazepam tablets from Ajit Kumar Rai. Preliminary tests confirmed the substance to be heroin weighing 17.22 grams, a clear violation under the NDPS Act. Both men have been taken into custody, a...

Global excitement has hit a high note as Irish pop-rock band The Script touched down in Shillong on November 11, marking their long-awaited debut in India. The city rolled out a warm welcome for the multi-platinum-selling trio, setting the stage for one of the biggest music events of the year — the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025. Known for hits like Hall of Fame and Breakeven, The Script has built a worldwide fan base with their anthemic sound and emotional storytelling. Led by frontman Danny O’Donoghue, the band will headline Day 1 of the festival on Friday, November 14, promising an unforgettable night of live music and electrifying energy. With the city in full bloom and the festival backdrop of pink cherry blossoms and crisp November skies, thousands of fans from across I...

The trial in the murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi began on November 11, with his brother Vipin Raghuvanshi taking the witness stand as the first prosecution witness before the Court of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Judicial), Shillong. Raghuvanshi’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, along with her alleged boyfriend Raj Kushwaha and his friends Vishal Singh Chauhan, Aakash Singh Rajput, and Anand Kurmi, have been charged with conspiring and murdering the 30-year-old businessman at a remote spot near Wei Sawdong Falls in Meghalaya’s Sohra earlier this year. All five pleaded not guilty when charges were formally framed on October 28. Special Public Prosecutor KC Gautam said the case rests on strong evidence and a “watertight chargesheet,” adding that around 90 witnesses will be ...

Police in East Khasi Hills are preparing to file a second charge sheet in the murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, who was killed during his honeymoon trip to Sohra in May. Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed that the supplementary report will include five names — the victim’s wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, her partner Raj Kushwaha, and three hired assailants identified as Akash Singh Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, and Anand Kurmi. The charge sheet is being finalised pending forensic results from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Hyderabad. Police expect to submit it by the third week of November, ahead of the initial December deadline. Investigators believe they have strong evidence against all the accused but are waiting for the forensic confirmation bef...