Tura, June 26: The second edition of the Inter Mahari Basketball Tournament 2026, popularly known as the Tura Challenge, tipped off on Friday at the Don Bosco College Basketball Court, bringing together Mahari teams from across the Garo Hills for a month-long celebration of sport, community and youth.
Organised by the Krimkro Socio Cultural Club in collaboration with the District Sports Office and the District Basketball Association, Tura, the tournament will run until July 17, with teams competing through league matches, quarterfinals, semifinals and the grand finale. A total of 30 teams are participating this year, including 22 men’s teams and eight women’s teams.
But organisers say the tournament is about much more than basketball.
“Our primary objective is to bridge the gap between different Maharies and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood within our community,” Krimkro Socio Cultural Club president Walseng Ch. Sangma told Hub News.
He said the tournament also aims to identify promising young basketball talent while providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills and build lasting connections through sport.
“We want this to grow into one of the premier basketball tournaments in the region, bringing together even more Mahari teams in the years ahead,” he added.
The opening match saw Koksi take on A-Gitok, setting the tone for what organisers expect will be a highly competitive tournament backed by enthusiastic community support.
The event is co-sponsored by the State Bank of India (SBI), the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, and A-Care Hospitals, reflecting growing institutional support for grassroots basketball in the Garo Hills.
With competition, community pride and youth participation at its core, Tura Challenge 2026 is steadily evolving into more than a sporting event—it is becoming a platform that celebrates Mahari identity while nurturing the next generation of basketball talent.
