Shillong Hosts Thrilling First Interschool Swimming Championship; Iran Clinches Women’s Tri-Nation Title with 3-0 Win Over Nepal

The **first All Shillong Interschool Swimming Championship 2025** began on **October 24** at the indoor heated pool of the **True North Fitness Centre and Swimming Academy** in Lapalang, Shillong. The championship attracted **155 participants from 25 schools** in the city, indicating increasing enthusiasm among students for competitive swimming. Throughout the two-day tournament, the swimmers will compete in **26 events** from the **50m backstroke** to the demanding **200m individual medley**, offering young athletes an opportunity to showcase their talent and endurance.

The first day of the championship was packed with fun and energy as the parents, teachers, and friends of the swimmers watched them in action, creating a **lively and encouraging environment**. The competition was formally opened by **Keith Syiemlieh**, True North Centre's senior-most member. A number of schools gave **excellent performances** on day one, such as **St Edmund's, St Anthony's, Assam Rifles Public School (Sports), Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Girls' HS School, Seven Set School, Pine Mount School, and Loreto Convent**, among others.

Competitors were grouped into **five age groups** — **9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17, and 18-20 years** — in a bid to create equitable competition among members of each group. The morning was used to hold the preliminary heats, while **finals were later in the day**, allowing competitors to compete at various levels of intensity.

**Awards** for the day's activities were handed over by a panel of invitees, who included **Kishore Subba**, representing the Meghalaya Swimming Association, **Aubrey Laloo**, owner of Body Zoo Gym and the originator of professional bodybuilding in Shillong, **Rifiness Warjri**, the youngest Meghalayan to climb Mt Everest, and **Bonafilia Shullai**, member of India's U-17 women's football team. Their attendance not only motivated the young contestants but also emphasized the value of **sportsmanship, commitment, and determination**. The competition will **continue on October 25 at 10 am**, following the excitement and expectation surrounding the championship.

While this, the **Women's Tri-Nation International Football Tournament** held at Shillong, reached its peak when **Iran logged a thumping 3-0 win against Nepal** at the **Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium**, bagging the championship. The game was a harbinger of attacking football, with fans kept in suspense throughout. In the first half, both sides created chances but could not convert them into objectives. Iran held possession while Nepal probed whenever they could.

The turning point occurred **four minutes into the second half** when **Sara Didar** gave Iran the lead with her first goal. Within minutes, **Zahra Ghanbari** added to the lead with a well-placed set-piece strike in the 52nd minute. **Shabnam Behesht** wrapped up the game with a **wonderful left-footed goal**, making sure Iran's dominant win. Nepal, under the leadership of captain **Sabitra Bhandari**, failed to break Iran's disciplined backline and went home without a victory. The outcome validated Iran as the **Tri-Nation champions**, as they had tallied the **maximum points** throughout the tournament.

The **trophy was handed over to the Iranian team** by **Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs** officials and the **Meghalaya Football Association**, acknowledging their consistent performance throughout the tournament. The tournament will end on **October 27**, with the hosts **India playing Nepal** in the final match, marking the end of an eventful series that commenced to celebrate competitive spirit as well as regional football development.

Both the swimming championship and the football tournament highlight Shillong's dedication to developing **youth sports**, offering opportunities for young athletes, and upholding a **culture of community, teamwork, and excellence**. The smooth execution of both events attests to the city's increasing reputation as a competitive sports hub in India's Northeast region.