The final match and closing ceremony of the ASCA League 2026, organised by the Amlarem Sub-Divisional Cricket Association (ASCA), was held at Sohkha Shnong playground as part of the Amlarem Sub-Division Golden Jubilee celebration.
The final match was played between Sohkha Shnong Everlasting SC and Nongtalang Mission Youth Club. Sohkha Shnong Everlasting SC won the match by 2 wickets and was declared Champion of ASCA League 2026, while Nongtalang Mission Youth Club finished as Runner-up.
The programme was graced by Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Home (Passport), Sports and Youth Affairs Department, and MLA of 7-Jowai Constituency, as Chief Guest. Shri Stephanson Mukhim, Ex-MLA of 7-Amlarem Constituency, attended the programme as Guest of Honour and spoke on his behalf.
The programme was conducted by Shri Deibor Talang. The welcome speech was delivered by Shri Kampher Pohlong, Working President, ASCA, who highlighted the growth of cricket in Amlarem Sub-Division and informed that around 325 players are registered under ASCA.
Ms. Vevotolu Kezo, IAS, Sub-Divisional Officer, Amlarem Civil Sub-Division, congratulated the winners, runners-up and all participating teams. She said the league helped promote discipline, sportsmanship, cooperation and unity among the youth. She also said that sports can help young people stay away from social problems such as drug abuse and crime.
Shri Venus Tongper, Rangbah Shnong of Sohkha Shnong, thanked ASCA for organising the league at Sohkha Shnong and stressed the need to improve the playground for the benefit of local players.
Shri Planning Lyngdoh, Special Guest, appreciated ASCA for promoting cricket in the War Jaintia region and congratulated both finalist teams.
During the felicitation ceremony, the General Secretary of ASCA read and submitted a memorandum addressed to Shri Wailadmiki Shylla. Through the memorandum, ASCA requested support for the construction of a Cricket Practice Net-cum-Office Room at Amlarem Sub-Division. The memorandum stated that cricket has become one of the most popular sports among the youth of the region, but players are facing difficulties due to lack of proper infrastructure, training facilities and office space.
ASCA also mentioned that the Association has been organising local cricket leagues for the last 12 years using tennis balls, and now plans to move towards standard deuce-ball cricket from next year. For this transition, ASCA said that proper practice nets, coaching facilities, office space and a proper cricket ground are urgently needed.
The memorandum also stated that the proposed facility would help provide proper training to young players, create a safe environment for coaching camps and tournaments, support administrative activities of the Association, and help nurture local cricket talent in rural areas.
ASCA also submitted the details of expenditure along with the memorandum. Shri Stephanson Mukhim, speaking on behalf of Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, assured that the memorandum would be forwarded to the Hon’ble Minister. It was also informed that Shri Wailadmiki Shylla had promised to extend financial help by supporting required expenditure for the proposed project.
FINAL MATCH REPORT
Batting first, Nongtalang Mission Youth Club scored 124/7 in 20 overs. Noondaystar Pohrmen played a brilliant innings, scoring 84 not out off 66 balls, including 6 fours and 7 sixes. Rijiedmi Lamin added 18 runs.
For Sohkha Shnong Everlasting SC, Furious Tongper took 3 wickets for 30 runs, while Shri Brolin Khonglah took 2 wickets for 12 runs.
Chasing 125 runs, Sohkha Shnong Everlasting SC scored 125/8 in 19.5 overs and won the match by 2 wickets. Lyngketbor Pohtam scored 31 runs, Night Star Tongper scored 26 runs, and Lilak Tongper remained not out on 15 runs.
For Nongtalang Mission Youth Club, Apphorozein Lamin took 3 wickets for 19 runs, while Kampher Pohti took 3 wickets for 29 runs.
The final match was officiated by umpires Sir Bikram Lyngdoh and Sir Som Suna, who were also presented with mementos in appreciation of their service.
LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS
The ASCA League 2026 saw the participation of 18 teams and around 325 registered players.
Lestarket Kassar of Hynriam YSSCT was the highest run scorer with 168 runs. He was also named Man of the Series for scoring 168 runs and taking 12 wickets.
Noondaystar Pohrmen of Nongtalang Mission Youth Club was the highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets.
FINALIST TEAMS AND PLAYERS
Sohkha Shnong Everlasting SC:
1. Luminous Tongper — Captain
2. Kevin Lanong
3. Leonardo Tongper — Wicketkeeper
4. Lyngketbor Pohtam
5. Roosevelt Tongper
6. Shri Brolin Khonglah
7. Teinam Pohtam
8. Furious Tongper
9. Lilak Tongper
10. Mebanshan Khonglah
11. Night Star Tongper
Nongtalang Mission Youth Club:
1. Rangehbok L Talang — Captain/Wicketkeeper
2. Rikiemu Rymbui
3. Jing
4. Kampher Pohti
5. Noondaystar Pohrmen
6. Rijiedmi Lamin
7. Souvick Nonglamin
8. Apphorozein Lamin
9. Sahhei Monmi
10. Shinning Star Tongper
11. Banylla Rymbui
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Champion – Sohkha Shnong Everlasting SC
2. Runner-up – Nongtalang Mission Youth Club
3. Man of the Match – Furious Tongper, Sohkha Shnong Everlasting SC — 4 runs and 3 wickets
4. Most Promising Captain – Arkini Pohlong, Amkoi Cricket Club
5. Most Humble Captain – Daman Lakashiang, AJ United
6. Best Discipline Captain – Ededisuk Shylla, Nongtalang Khlachympa CC
7. Most Promising Team – Hynriam Youth Social Sports Cricket Club
8. Most Runs – Lestarket Kassar, Hynriam YSSCT — 168 runs
9. Most Wickets – Noondaystar Pohrmen, Nongtalang Mission Youth Club — 13 wickets
10. Man of the Series – Lestarket Kassar, Hynriam YSSCT — 168 runs and 12 wickets
11. Best Discipline Team – Nongbareh Rim CC
The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Bayoo Khonglah, General Secretary, ASCA. He thanked the dignitaries, guests, village authorities, officials, players, umpires, participating clubs and all those who helped in the successful conduct of the ASCA League 2026.
