By Naphisabet Mary I Nadon

Over the last decade, the city of Shillong has witnessed the rise of a sporting movement that goes beyond goals and scorelines. The emergence of futsal grounds across the city has created safe, structured, and energising spaces for young people and families alike. No longer just a passing trend, futsal in Shillong is becoming an ecosystem where fitness, discipline, social engagement, and hope thrive.

Futsal, a smaller and faster-paced version of traditional football, is uniquely suited to Shillong’s compact urban landscape. It requires less space but demands greater technical skill, quicker decision-making, and close teamwork. For a generation growing up amidst screen time, rising substance abuse, and limited open areas, futsal offers not only a physical outlet but also a mental and emotional reprieve.

Futsal originated in 1930 in Montevideo, Uruguay, when Argentine teacher Juan Carlos Ceriani developed a version of indoor football for youth recreation in YMCAs. Combining elements from football, basketball, water polo, and handball, Ceriani created a five-a-side game suitable for indoor play on basketball courts. The sport quickly spread throughout South America, gaining particular popularity in Brazil. In 1965, the South American Futsal Confederation was established, comprising Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Argentina. FIFA recognized futsal in 1988, organizing the first FIFA Futsal World Championship in 1989, where Brazil emerged as the inaugural champions.

Futsal is known today as the training ground for legends like Pelé, Ronaldinho, and Lionel Messi, who have often credited the game with sharpening their skills, speed, and reflexes.

The state government has recognised this momentum. In March 2024, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya announced the development of 20 futsal courts across the state, strengthening Meghalaya’s sports infrastructure.

This initiative forms part of the broader Meghalaya Sports Policy 2022, which focuses on developing grassroots sporting facilities, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

This plan builds upon the foundation laid in 2015, when the first futsal tournament took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex in Shillong, organised by the Futsal Association of Meghalaya (FAM).

FAM, officially registered in 2013, is among the earliest futsal associations under the All India Football Federation (AIFF), pioneering organised futsal in north east India.

Since then, grounds such as the FIFA-certified 4 For All Turf in Diengiong (Mawdiangdiang), Saiti Futsal Arena in Laitkor, and a proposed turf at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) have become key centres for training, tournaments, and community sport.

Other active venues include Langkyrding Futsal and Third Ground Futsal in Mawpat, which regularly host inter-school, youth, and corporate leagues.

At the heart of this movement are the players, coaches, and community members who bring these courts to life. M. Syiem, owner of Saiti Futsal Arena, has seen firsthand the changes futsal has brought:

“Players who come here regularly actually have a high sense of teamwork and social skills. Most importantly, being able to move about has kept them away from harmful activities.”
He adds,
“Young or old, I think having tournaments has impacted their mindset through positive changes, whether in health or mental well-being.”

Another regular player at Saiti, a father who visits with his family, shared,

“Playing futsal has enhanced my body strength. It’s a fitness package, I must say. And yes, our family comes here often, especially on weekends.”
Offering his advice to the younger generation, he said,
“Since every sport is dynamic, younger players should stay consistent. Sports provide flexibility and agility, helping them perform everyday tasks more effectively.”

Among the most inspiring initiatives is the recently launched TN36 Futsal Ground at Umlyngka Mawshai, near 7th Mile. What sets this facility apart is its philosophy. The owners, deeply aware of the struggles faced by young adults in their community, have committed to offering the ground free of cost for two hours once a week to youths of the area. According to them, this decision was driven by a desire to offer young people a safe space where they could find direction, escape harmful habits, and build a support system through sport.

The owner Tamdor Nadon expressed,

“Sometimes, all someone needs is a ball, a team, and a place that feels like theirs. If we can give that once a week, it might just change our lives.”

While the benefits are many, futsal grounds also come with challenges, particularly regarding playing conditions. Some players have raised concerns about the heat generated by the black rubber infill commonly used in artificial turfs. One player noted,

“Futsals are not ideal for kids during the day. The black rubber absorbs so much heat that it can be felt all the way up to your calves.”

Research supports this concern. Studies have shown that artificial turf surfaces can become 50-60°F hotter than natural grass in direct sunlight, posing potential health risks, especially for children. To mitigate this, coaches and organisers are increasingly encouraging early morning or late afternoon play sessions, along with proper hydration and rest periods.

Futsal in Shillong is no longer just about sport — it is a tool for transformation. It fosters not only physical fitness but emotional resilience, community spirit, and opportunity. As grounds continue to spread and support deepens from both the government and private initiatives, futsal is poised to shape not just better athletes, but stronger, more connected individuals. In a city that has always loved football, futsal is writing a new chapter — one filled with energy, purpose, and hope for the generations to come.

(The author is a student of journalism at The English and Foreign Languages University)

PUEBLO, COLO — The Peach Belt Conference added two more All-Americans to its 2025 tally as the NCAA Track & Field National Championships concluded on Saturday. Embry-Riddle’s Mikaela Miles and Ryan Flournoy both finished in the top eight of their respective events, earning All-America honors and giving the Peach Belt four overall between men’s and women’s athletes in 2025.

Miles finished third overall in the triple jump, soaring 13.10 on her first attempt. That distance is a new PBC record. Miles hit 13 or more meters on five of her six attempts, finishing just 0.23 meters out of the lead. The junior from San Diego, Calif., earns her second All-America honor of the year as she was also third at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships. The All-America honor is the fourth overall of her career as she earned another in the 2024 outdoor championships.

Flournoy also earns his second straight All-America honor in the javelin. The senior from Orlando, Fla., finished in fifth place on Saturday with a throw of 70.26 meters, setting a new PBC record in the process. Four of his six attempts went 67 meters or further, his record-setting distance was on his third throw.

Other PBC athletes in action on Saturday were ERAU’s Maxime Kirschner, who finished 18th in the women’s javelin. Augusta’s Avery Jaynes, who was named an All-American in the 10k on Thursday, finished 13th in the 5k on Saturday.

GENEVA, Ohio–Two teams from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) finished in the top four at the NCAA Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championship following three days of competition at the SPIRE Institute on May 24. In addition, UW-La Crosse’s Lauren Jarrett claimed two individual titles and one relay crown.

 

UW-La Crosse finished third with 38 points, while UW-Eau Claire took fourth with 34. The Blugolds’ fourth-place finish is the second highest in program history.

 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology won the national championship with 56 points, while Washington University in Saint Louis (Mo.) was second with 47 and Augustana College (Ill.) fifth with 31.

 

Additional WIAC team finishes included: UW-Oshkosh 12th with 19 points; UW-Stout 16th with 16; UW-Whitewater tied for 22nd with 12; and UW-Platteville tied for 65th with two. A total of 80 teams accumulated points at the national meet.

 

Jarrett won the 100- and 200-meter dash titles for the second consecutive year with times of 11.30 seconds and 23.44 seconds, respectively. Her time in the 100-meter dash established a championship meet record.

 

Jarrett was also a member of the victorious 4×100-meter relay team that posted a championship meet record time of 45.20 seconds. She was joined by Julie Yang, Anika Reiland and Makenna Zak.

 

The following individuals from the WIAC earned All-America recognition from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. Athletes that finished in the top-8 of their respective individual events and as part of a relay team earned First Team All-America honors. Those who finished ninth through 16th individually and ninth through 12th as part of a relay team were named All-America Second Team.

 

100-Meter Dash:  Lauren Jarrett (UW-La Crosse-Champion); Dakota Mitchell (UW-Whitewater-Eighth)

 

200-Meter Dash:  Lauren Jarrett (UW-La Crosse-Champion); Isabel Peterson (UW-Platteville-Seventh); Allyson Kakes (UW-Eau Claire-15th)

 

800-Meter Run:  Cyna Madison (UW-Oshkosh-10th)

 

1,500-Meter Run:  Libby Geisness (UW-Oshkosh-13th); Amelia Lehman (UW-Oshkosh-14th)

 

100-Meter Hurdles:  Hannah Zastrow (UW-Stout-Seventh); Kaylie Raths (UW-Stout-12th)

 

3,000-Meter Steeplechase:  Katelyn Chadwick (UW-La Crosse-14th); Becca Immer (UW-La Crosse-15th)

4×100-Meter Relay:  UW-La Crosse (Julie Yang, Anika Reiland, Makenna Zak, Lauren Jarrett-Champion); UW-Whitewater (Danielle Pouska, Dakota Mitchell, Kelly Huerta, Cici Stennett-Third); UW-Eau Claire (Hope Schueller, Allyson Kakes, Kylee Grabarski, Sophia Crespo-Eighth)

 

4×400-Meter Relay:  UW-La Crosse (Anna Plautz, Alli Thomas, Morgan Jennings, Macy Reybrock-Fourth); UW-Eau Claire (Emilee Booker, Mya Cinnamo, McKenzie Kruse, Kylee Grabarski-Seventh);

 

High Jump:  Hannah Zastrow (UW-Stout-Second)

 

Pole Vault:   Leah Zastrow (UW-Stout-Third); Gracie Holland (UW-Whitewater-Fourth); Maddy Habberstad (UW-La Crosse-Fifth); Annika Gunderson (UW-River Falls-10th); Araceli De Leo Lopez (UW-La Crosse-15th)

Long Jump:  Megan Hunt (UW-Oshkosh-Sixth); Maya Evans (UW-La Crosse-14th)

 

Triple Jump:  Maya Evans (UW-La Crosse-11th)

 

Shot Put:  Brenna Masloroff (UW-Oshkosh-Second); Brenna Noon (UW-Platteville-12th)

 

Discus:  Kayla Behnke (UW-Eau Claire-Fourth)

 

Hammer:  Brenna Masloroff (UW-Oshkosh-Second); Teagan Jones (UW-Eau Claire-Sixth); Kayla Behnke (UW-Eau Claire-Eighth); Kenni Czarnecki (UW-Whitewater-12th)

Javelin:  Laura Bertrang (UW-Eau Claire-Second)

Heptathlon:  Emma Gruen (UW-Eau Claire-Second); Emilee Booker (UW-Eau Claire-Third); Amber Grosse (UW-La Crosse-10th); Alexys Scheuerell (UW-La Crosse-12th); Megan Hunt (UW-Oshkosh-15th)

 

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GENEVA, OH – The Johns Hopkins men’s outdoor track and field team wrapped up its season Saturday at the final day of the 2025 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, highlighted by a podium finish from junior Emmanuel Leblond.
 
Leblond earned the Blue Jays’ lone medal of the meet, securing bronze in the 5000-meter run with a time of 14:16.54. His performance also earned him First Team All-America honors.
 
Sophomore Oluwademilade Adeniran was the only other Johns Hopkins athlete to compete on the final day. He placed 19th in the triple jump with a mark of 14.07 meters.
 
As a team, the Blue Jays scored six points, finishing in a tie for 37^th place overall.
 

Pro Recco finally lifted the famous Euro Cup trophy after defeating SPD Radnicki 12-9 in the second-leg of the final on Saturday night in Sori. Recco’s Giacomo Cannella led the scoring with four goals, and a first-half defensive masterclass – alongside a string of clinical finishes – helped steer the Italians to a comfortable 28-21 aggregate victory. The win also completed Recco’s impressive medal haul, as this title was the only one missing from their glittering collection.

2024/25 Euro Cup Men  
Final, Second-Leg
Saturday 24 May 2025
Pro Recco (ITA) 12-9 SPD Radnicki (SRB)
(Aggregate score: 28-21)

Pro Recco’s players, coaches and fans are celebrating the club’s first Euro Cup triumph after another masterful performance against the Serbian champions SPD Radnicki on Saturday night in Sori.

The Italians gained the upper-hand in the first-leg by winning 16-12 in Kragujevac two weeks’ ago and they finished the job off powerfully in their home pool with a 12-9 victory.

‘This victory means a lot, as everyone knows what happened [to the club] last summer,’ said Recco captain Francesco Di Fulvio after lifting the trophy. ‘Thanks to the president, Maurizio Felugo, he found a really amazing solution, so we are still here and next year we will play in the Champions League again.

‘Now, we are going to celebrate because I think we deserve it. We passed through a lot of very bad moments during the season, but we didn’t hide. We showed everyone that we are a great group, with a lot of great players.

‘Radnicki didn’t have anything to lose tonight, as they lost by four goals in the first game, so they came here to try to put us in a bad position. But we came into the water with the right attitude, we were focused on our defence and we had a lot of solutions in attack.’

Recco trailed by three goals twice in Serbia, but they made sure Radnicki were kept firmly at arm’s length throughout the decisive second-leg.

The Italians were never behind and extended their aggregate four-goal lead to an unassailable eight by half-time.

Goals from Petar Vujosevic, Francesco Condemi and Giacomo Cannella in the opening quarter, along with some strong defending, set the tone.

Radnicki equalised twice at 1-1 and 2-2 through Boris Vapenski and Radomir Drasovic – with the latter fortunate to see his saved penalty rebound kindly to him – but they trailed 3-2 at the first break.

In the second, Nikola Jaksic levelled the scores at 3-3 after 85 seconds, but that signalled the start of a disappointing drought for the visitors, as their attack fizzled out.

Recco were still dominating in defence and goalkeeper Marco Del Lungo also frustrated the Serbian forwards with several stunning saves.

At the other end, the Italian champions were beginning to really click, and a 4-0 rush – which included three penalties in a row from Cannella (twice) and Condemi – started to take the trophy even further away from Radnicki.

Condemi completed his hat-trick at the start of the third and an Aaron Younger strike piled more misery onto the Serbians, who were now 9-3 behind on the night.

After building a 10-goal aggregate lead, Recco’s concentration levels appeared to drop a little and Valiko Dadvani took advantage by finally finding a way past Del Lungo to end Radnicki’s eight-minute barren spell.

Vapenski then fired in a stunning shot from distance to make it 9-5 and Strahinja Rasovic calmly converted a penalty to cut the gap to three.

In the fourth, Nikola Jaksic was on target from a six on five to score Radnicki’s fourth without reply, but Younger halted the visitors’ momentum with a goal from a well-worked man-up to make the score 10-7 with 6:26 remaining.

Nikola Jaksic hit his third of the night from a penalty, then Recco’s USA international Ben Hallock fired in from a six on five for 11-8.

Rasovic swam up to take Radnicki’s fourth penalty of the game, but Del Lungo saved it by brilliantly deflecting the ball high over the crossbar with his left hand.

After hammering in five goals in the first-leg, Recco captain Francesco Di Fulvio had been kept relatively quiet in the second-leg, but he eventually found his range with an unstoppable 6m shot from the left side with 3:37 left to play.

Vapenski finished the scoring with a consolation strike 2:50 from time, but by then the fans inside the arena had already started celebrating and Recco were able to close the game out comfortably.

The win secured Recco their third trophy of another majestic season, which saw them triumph in the Italian cup and league championship as well.

It was also the perfect send-off for Recco stars Ben Hallock, Aaron Younger and Marco Del Lungo, as they are all set to leave the club this summer.

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Andy Rollé for European Aquatics