The football team of Mary Help of Christians Church, Satgaon, was felicitated on Sunday, 20 September 2026, for winning the Inter-Parish Knock-Out Football Tournament of Diphu Diocese 2026 and securing the championship for the third time in four years.

The short felicitation programme was held after the first Mass at the parish church, as heavy rain prevented the planned outdoor celebration. The parish community gathered to honour the players and support staff for their outstanding achievement.

Congratulating the team, Fr. Albert Thyrniang, Parish Priest, expressed his gratitude to the players, support staff, contributors and supporters whose encouragement had helped the team perform at its best. He urged the young players to continue developing and making good use of the talents entrusted to them by God.

“May our young people continue to excel not only in football but also in every field where God has gifted them,” Fr. Albert said, expressing his hope that the achievement would inspire other young people of the parish to discover, develop and use their talents responsibly.

Mr. Joel, Team Manager, thanked the Fathers, Sisters and parishioners for their unwavering support and encouragement. He also expressed the hope that sports would increasingly become a viable career option for talented young people, providing them with opportunities to develop their abilities professionally.

Each player was presented with a traditional muffler by the Fathers, Sisters and prominent parish leaders. On behalf of the parish, Fr. Albert presented the team with a cash award of ₹11,500 for lifting the championship trophy.

Individual players were also recognised for their performances. Jack Sangma, Man of the Match in the final, Aksai Sangma, Best Goalkeeper, Reberent Sangma, Highest Scorer, and Shining Sangma, the first goal scorer in the final, were specially honoured.

Satgaon had earlier secured the championship with an emphatic 7–0 victory over Umrangso Parish of Dima Hasao district in the final played at the Sojong Parish playground on 19 September. The victory marked the parish’s third championship in four years, consolidating its strong record in the diocesan football tournament. It was against the same opponent that Satgaon had narrowly lost in the final four years ago. Hence the victory was sweeter.

The celebration concluded with gratitude to the players, coaches, supporters and the entire parish community, whose collective spirit and encouragement stood behind the team throughout the tournament.

News Courtesy: Fr Albert Thyrniang SDB