Shillong, 16 August 2026: In preparation for the celebration of the birthday of St. John Bosch on 16 August 2026, a series of indoor sports tournaments was organized for the hostelers of Don Bosco Youth Center, Shillong. The program was organized under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Michael Makri Sdb, Director of Don Bosco Youth Center, Shillong, with the assistance of Fr. Ritonbor Kharkongor Sdb, and Br. Pyntngenlang Tynsong Sdb.
The sports events were held from Wednesday, 12 August, to Sunday, 16 August 2026, every evening from 8:10 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. The games included badminton, table tennis and Carrom Board. The tournament followed a knockout system, beginning with the first round, followed by the second round, quarter-finals, semi-finals and finally the grand finals.
The event was especially meaningful because it took place immediately after the celebration of India’s Independence Day and around the beautiful feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. Thus, the days were filled not only with the spirit of celebration but also with gratitude, faith, unity and fellowship.
The tournament officially began on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. The inauguration was conducted by Fr. Michael Makri Sdb, who also served as the host.
The program began with a prayer led by Br. Pyntngenlang Tynsong, seeking God’s blessing upon the players, organizers and the entire tournament. This was followed by an inspiring talk by Fr. Ritonbor Kharkongor Sdb. His words encouraged the players to participate with enthusiasm, discipline, sportsmanship and respect for one another.
After the inauguration, the first-round matches began. The hostelers participated with great excitement and energy. Although the games were competitive, the main purpose was not simply to win but to develop friendship, discipline, teamwork and healthy competition.
The tournament was conducted through different stages during the five days.
Wednesday, 12 August: First Round
Thursday, 13 August: Second Round
Friday, 14 August: Quarter-Finals
Saturday, 15 August: Semi-Finals
Sunday, 16 August: Grand Finals
The knockout format made every match exciting because every player had to give his best. The players demonstrated determination, patience, skill and courage. Some experienced victory while others faced defeat, but everyone received an opportunity to learn from the experience.
The grand final was held on Sunday, 16 August 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. It was the most exciting and anticipated evening of the tournament.
The final program began with the Badminton Final, followed by the Table Tennis Final and then the Carrom Board Final. Unlike the earlier rounds, the final matches were played in the best-of-three format, making the competition even more challenging and exciting.
The players gave their very best. The audience and fellow hostelers encouraged the participants throughout the matches. The finals showed that success is not achieved only through talent but also through practice, patience, concentration, courage and determination.
Badminton Results
The Badminton Final was highly competitive. After a strong performance, the winners were:
1st Place – Aiboklang Nongbri
2nd Place – Dannyson Tado
3rd Place – Sainborlang Thabah
Aiboklang Nonngbri showed excellent determination and skill throughout the tournament and emerged as the champion. Danny’s son Taco also displayed a strong competitive spirit, while Sainborlang Thabah secured a deserving third place.
Table Tennis Results
The Table Tennis Final also provided an exciting display of skill, concentration and quick reactions.
1st Place – Aiboklang Nongbri
2nd Place – Dannyson Tado
3rd Place – Alfi Savio Thongni
Aiboklang Nongbri once again demonstrated consistency and determination by securing the championship. Danny’s son Taco gave a strong performance and finished second, while Alfi Savio Thongni earned third place.
Carrom Board Results
The Carrom Board Final brought another exciting competition among the hostelers.
1st Place – Alfi Savio Thongni
2nd Place – Aiboklang Nongbri
3rd Place – Petersen Umsong
Alfi Savio Thongni played with excellent concentration and patience and emerged as the champion. Aiboklang Nongbri secured second place, while Petersen Umsong achieved third place.
The tournament also reflected the loving concern of the organizers for the young people. Under the leadership of Fr. Michael Makri Sdb, and with the assistance of Fr. Ritonbor Kharkongor Sdb, and Br. Pyntngenlang Tynsong Sdb, the program was organized in a spirit of unity and friendship.
The organizers encouraged the players not to look at the tournament only as a competition but as an opportunity to grow together as a community. The games became a practical lesson in discipline, patience, respect and responsibility.
After the completion of the three finals, Fr. Michael Makri Sdb, gave a short and meaningful talk. He congratulated all the participants and encouraged them to continue developing their talents while remaining humble, disciplined and united.
He reminded the players that the real purpose of such activities is to help young people grow in every aspect of life. Sports can build character when they are played with the right spirit.
The prize distribution ceremony followed the talk. The winners were recognized for their achievements, while all the participants were appreciated for their effort and enthusiastic participation.
The prizes were not merely rewards for winning. They were reminders of the hard work, practice and determination shown by the players throughout the tournament.
The program concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Fr. Ritonbor Kharkongor Sdb. He expressed gratitude to God, the organizers, the players, the hostelers and everyone who contributed to making the tournament successful.
The evening concluded beautifully with the singing of the hymn to St. John Bosch, bringing the celebration to a fitting end.
The tournament also reminded everyone that life itself is a journey of many matches. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, but every experience teaches us something. What matters most is that we continue to play the game of life with courage, faith, humility and love.
The words of Don Bosco, “Run, jump, make noise, but do not sin,” became a fitting message for the entire celebration. The hostelers ran, played, competed, laughed and celebrated together, but above all, they experienced the joy of being one community.
Reported by Brother Pyntngen Tynsong
