By Our Reporter

Shillong, April 18: The Meghalaya sporting fraternity has been plunged into grief following the demise of noted sports administrator Dister Marbaniang, who passed away late on Friday night after succumbing to injuries sustained in an accident on April 11. He had been undergoing intensive treatment at NEIGRIHMS.

Marbaniang's passing marks a significant loss for both cricket and football in the state - two arenas where his voice, presence, and tireless work had become almost inseparable from the game itself.
At the time of his death, he was serving as President of the East Khasi Hills Cricket Association (EKHCA), which oversees the sport across the district outside Shillong.
His association with cricket ran deep. Over the years, Marbaniang served the Meghalaya Cricket Association in various capacities, most notably as manager of several state teams, including at the prestigious Ranji Trophy level. Those who worked alongside him remember a man driven by quiet determination, someone who preferred action over acclaim.Yet, his contributions were not limited to cricket alone. In football, he was a familiar and cherished figure, closely linked with Royal Wahingdoh FC during its golden run to the I-League in the 2014-15 season, and later during its transition back to Wahingdoh SC.
At the time of his passing, he was also serving as one of the sports secretaries of the Shillong Sports Association, where his voice often echoed across stadiums, making announcements during Shillong Premier League matches - a sound now destined to linger only in memory.
Tributes poured in from across the sporting spectrum. Peter Mac Donald Kharsawian expressed his sorrow, stating that the association had lost a committed member and the community a devoted servant of sport. Former MCA and SCA president Naba Bhattacharjee described the loss as deeply anguishing, recalling Marbaniang's resilience and unwavering commitment to the game since their association began in 2006.
"He was a sincere and committed administrator and benefactor in promoting cricket in our state," Bhattacharjee said, highlighting his pivotal role as the founding president of EKHCA in taking cricket to different corners of the district.
Echoing similar sentiments, former MCA and SCA secretary Gideon Kharkongor remembered him as a friend and colleague with whom he shared two decades of grassroots development work.
"We travelled together to the nooks and corners of the state. His last journey was a cricket mission at Sohra. The void he leaves behind will be hard to fill," he said.
Earlier on Saturday, a condolence meeting was held at the office of the Shillong Cricket Association, where members gathered in silence, united by grief and remembrance. Presided over by Kharsawian, the meeting observed a two-minute silence in honour of the departed soul, while a formal condolence message was read out, recalling Marbaniang's humility, dedication, and enduring contributions to the sport.