The streets of Shillong buzzed with excitement as thousands of fans flocked to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium for the Durand Cup 2024 semifinal between Shillong Lajong FC and NorthEast United FC on August 26. The stadium was packed, a testament to the city’s passionate embrace of football.
Shillong Lajong, playing all their matches at home, has been fueled by their fervent fans. This energy helped them navigate the group stages against FC Goa and secure a thrilling quarterfinal victory over Kolkata giants East Bengal FC. While the semifinal ended in a 0-3 defeat, the unwavering fan support indicates a promising future for the team and the sport in the region.
Meghalaya has long been a hub of Indian football, with clubs like Shillong Lajong, Rangdajied United, and Langsning establishing a strong legacy. Shillong Lajong currently plays in the I-League, the second tier of Indian football, having earned promotion after a four-year gap. The team’s success echoes their 2009-10 I-League 2 championship win and their 2009-10 Federation Cup final appearance, where they narrowly lost to East Bengal in penalties.
However, despite domestic triumphs, Meghalaya trails behind states like Manipur and Mizoram in terms of players in the top-tier Indian Super League (ISL). Of the 363 players across 13 ISL clubs, only six hail from Meghalaya, compared to Manipur’s 48 and Mizoram’s 35. This disparity underscores the need for strategic development.
Meghalaya has produced notable players like Eugeneson Lyngdoh, a 2015 SAFF Championship winner and AIFF Player of the Year, who enjoyed success with Bengaluru FC, ATK Football Club, and East Bengal. Other prominent players include Redeem Tlang (NorthEast United FC) and Aibanbha Dohling (Kerala Blasters), both Durand Cup winners with FC Goa in 2021. While these athletes have achieved success domestically, they have not yet broken into the national team, unlike their counterparts from Manipur and Mizoram like Lallianzuala Chhangte and Jeakson Singh, who have secured their places in the Indian squad.
Meghalaya’s Commissioner and Secretary for Sports, Dr Vijay Kumar D, believes a comprehensive approach is necessary to bridge the gap. He emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem by building infrastructure, including artificial turfs and smaller stadiums, and prioritizing training and coaching. These initiatives, combined with the state government’s support, are expected to contribute significantly to Meghalaya’s goal of becoming the “football capital of India” within the next three years.
Beyond football, Meghalaya aims to foster a multi-sport environment. The state recognizes the potential in athletics, with athletes showing promise at national and international levels. The Deputy CM, Prestone Tynsong, underscores the importance of providing opportunities in various sports.
Recognizing the need to nurture future Olympians, Meghalaya is focusing on developing sporting facilities within the New Shillong City project. The state government is committed to creating an environment where athletes can thrive, as demonstrated by their recent hosting of the North East Games and the annual Meghalaya Games. Meghalaya is also eager to host the National Games, confident in their infrastructure and experience in organizing major sporting events.
The passion for football in Shillong, fueled by the Durand Cup, serves as a potent reminder of Meghalaya’s potential. With a strategic focus on infrastructure, training, and a wider sporting vision, Meghalaya is poised to carve a significant place in the Indian sporting landscape.
