Shillong, Dec 23: The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) began its 50th anniversary celebrations with a glittering awards night on Monday to honour past and present footballers, coaches, referees and officials who have represented India at various stages and thereby lifted the standing of the state and the sport over the years.
Formed in 1976, the MFA will organise several events over the coming year to mark the historic occasion.
The list of awardees is a veritable Who’s Who of Meghalaya football, blending those who have been pathbreakers along with those still building their careers. The evening started with posthumous awards for two footballers who have now passed away – Fullmoon Pyrtuh, who represented India at the 13th Asian School Football Tournament, and John Shadap, who was in the India U-17 team in 2004.
Current and former players were then felicitated, including the five who have made it all the way to the Indian senior team – former national captain Rocus Lamare, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Aiborlang Khongjee, Marlangki Suting and Samuel Lyngdoh Kynshi.
The state’s up and coming women footballers who have played for India at junior levels were also recognised for their contribution to the beautiful game – Bonifilia Shullai, Alisha Lyngdoh, Fragrancy Riwan, Ribansi Jamu and Ribahunshisha Kharshiing.
Apart from football players, there were those remembered for other roles – the renowned coach Hering Shangpliang was felicitated as coach of the Indian U-20 team in 2000-06, Riiohlang Dhar for her role as an Assistant Referee at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024, Bor Diengdoh as manager of the Indian national team and Hamletson Dohling as Delegation Head for the Indian national team.
The other footballers who were presented with awards are Pele Lyngdoh, Wiwon Kurbah, Weilad Passah, Lekini Suting, Ailad Kharngapkynta, Poibiang Pohshna, Bevan Marbaniang, Larry Diengdoh, Samuel Shadap, Berland Syngkon, Romeo Suklein, Chanmitre Thma, Kyntiew Shaphrang Kharluki, Enestar Malngiang, Shaiborlang Kharpan, Rupert Nongrum, Pynkhrawbok Kurbah, Aenam Graffenberg Jyrwa, Banlam Nongkynrih, Aiborlang Thangmaw, Ricky John Shabong, Lionel Daryl Rymmei, Halen Nongtdu, Manbhakupar Malngiang, Banlamkupar Rynjah and Ronney Wilson Kharbudon. Those who could not be present in person had their awards collected on their behalf.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla officially revealed the MFA’s golden jubilee logo before delivering a speech where he looked to the horizon and spoke about where Meghalaya wants to go in football.
“There is no doubt that Meghalaya is moving forward in all aspects but it is especially known as a state for producing great football players,” he said. “Under the visionary leadership of our Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, sports has received a big push in the last seven years. That is why we are creating more grassroots football centres, training more coaches, supporting the Meghalaya State League, Meghalaya Youth League and just this year the Meghalaya Women’s State League.”
The minister, a keen footballer himself, also spoke about the upcoming Mawkhanu Football Stadium, which will be the biggest stadium built solely for football in the country. He also said that Meghalaya, which in recent years has co-hosted the Durand Cup, held Indian Super League games and international men’s and women’s matches, is ready and willing to work with the AIFF further in the interest of developing the sport in the state and the nation.
Earlier, MFA President Hamletson Dohling remembered the efforts of those who founded the association 50 years ago.
“I express my gratitude to the founding members of the MFA. It is because of their efforts and vision that we can now see the growth of football in our state. We honour the pioneers who laid the foundations,” he said, adding that the torch must now be carried forwards and new heights must be attained.
Dohling also spoke about the new cash awards scheme that the MFA’s executive council approved in September. Under this initiative, the MFA will provide financial incentives to players from the state who represent Team India at the international level. Players in the senior teams (both men’s and women’s) will receive Rs 50,000, while those representing the U-23 Indian teams will get Rs 40,000. Players in the Indian national junior or sub-junior levels will receive Rs 25,000.
The financial incentives plus the recognition at the awards night will be welcomed by all young Meghalaya footballers chasing the dream of representing the nation and wearing the jersey of the Blue Tigers and Tigresses.
Also in attendance was Mawkynrew MLA and Shillong Sports Association President Banteidor Lyngdoh, Sohra MLA Gavin M Mylliem, Adviser to the Meghalaya Government Himalaya M Shangpliang, former Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang, All India Football Federation Treasurer Kipa Ajay, members of the MFA – led by President Hamletson Dohling and General Secretary Sunesh Syiem – and representatives of the affiliated district associations.
