Shillong, Dec 23: Recognition of Meghalaya footballers who have worn the India jersey took centre stage as the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) formally launched its golden jubilee celebrations with an awards night in Shillong on December 22.
Founded in 1976, the MFA used the milestone evening to honour past and present players, coaches, referees and officials whose achievements at national and international levels have helped elevate football in the state. The programme marked the first in a series of events planned over the next year to commemorate 50 years of the association.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla attended the function as chief guest, along with legislators, senior government officials, representatives of the All India Football Federation, district associations and MFA office-bearers led by president Hamletson Dohling and general secretary Sunesh Syiem.
A highlight of the evening was the felicitation of footballers who progressed to the Indian senior team, underscoring Meghalaya’s growing contribution to the national game. Former India captain Rocus Lamare, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Aiborlang Khongjee, Marlangki Suting and Samuel Lyngdoh Kynshi were among those honoured.
Posthumous awards were presented to two late footballers—Fullmoon Pyrtuh, who represented India at the 13th Asian School Football Tournament, and John Shadap, a member of the India Under-17 side in 2004.
Women’s football featured prominently, with junior internationals Bonifilia Shullai, Alisha Lyngdoh, Fragrancy Riwan, Ribansi Jamu and Ribahunshisha Kharshiing recognised for their achievements.
Honours were also extended to individuals who served Indian football in other capacities. Coach Hering Shangpliang was acknowledged for his stint with the India Under-20 team, Riiohlang Dhar for officiating as an assistant referee at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup 2024, Bor Diengdoh for his role as national team manager, and Hamletson Dohling for serving as head of delegation of the Indian team.
Several footballers from different generations were also presented awards, with citations accepted on behalf of those unable to attend.
During the programme, Shylla unveiled the MFA’s golden jubilee logo and highlighted football as a major area of sporting growth in Meghalaya. He said the state had built a strong reputation for producing quality footballers and pointed to increased government support for grassroots centres, coach education and state leagues, including the women’s league introduced this year. He also spoke about the upcoming Mawkhanu Football Stadium and expressed the government’s willingness to work closely with the AIFF to host and develop major competitions.
Earlier, Dohling reflected on the MFA’s five-decade journey, crediting its founding members for laying strong foundations for football in the state, and said the present generation carried the responsibility of building on that legacy.
He also announced a new cash incentive scheme approved by the MFA executive council in September. Under the scheme, players representing India at senior level will receive ₹50,000, those in Under-23 teams ₹40,000, and junior or sub-junior internationals ₹25,000.
The blend of public recognition and financial incentives is expected to inspire young footballers across Meghalaya as the association enters its next half-century.
