The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) formally launched its golden jubilee celebrations on Monday evening with a grand awards night, honouring past and present footballers, coaches, referees and officials who have represented India at various levels and brought recognition to both the state and the sport over the decades.
Founded in 1976, the MFA will mark its 50th anniversary with a series of events spread across the coming year, celebrating half a century of football development in Meghalaya.
The glittering ceremony was attended by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla as chief guest. Other dignitaries present included 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 (AIFF) Treasurer Kipa Ajay, MFA President Hamletson Dohling, General Secretary Sunesh Syiem, members of the MFA executive and representatives of affiliated district associations.
The list of awardees reflected the rich legacy of Meghalaya football, featuring trailblazers as well as current players still shaping their careers. The evening began with posthumous honours for Fullmoon Pyrtuh, who represented India at the 13th Asian School Football Tournament, and John Shadap, a member of the Indian U-17 team in 2004.
Several current and former players were felicitated, including the five footballers from Meghalaya who have represented the Indian senior national team — former captain Rocus Lamare, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Aiborlang Khongjee, Marlangki Suting and Samuel Lyngdoh Kynshi.
Promising women footballers from the state who have represented India at junior levels were also recognised for their achievements. They included Bonifilia Shullai, Alisha Lyngdoh, Fragrancy Riwan, Ribansi Jamu and Ribahunshisha Kharshiing.
Awards were also presented to individuals who contributed to Indian football in other capacities. Renowned coach Hering Shangpliang was honoured for his role as coach of the Indian U-20 team from 2000 to 2006, Riiohlang Dhar for officiating as an Assistant Referee at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024, Bor Diengdoh for serving as manager of the Indian national team, and Hamletson Dohling for his role as Delegation Head of the Indian national team.
Several other footballers were also felicitated, including 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. Awards for those unable to attend were received on their behalf.
During the programme, Minister Wailadmiki Shylla officially unveiled the golden jubilee logo of the MFA and spoke about the future of football in Meghalaya.
“There is no doubt that Meghalaya is moving forward in all aspects, but it is especially recognised as a state that produces outstanding footballers,” he said. The minister highlighted the initiatives taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, including the expansion of grassroots football centres, training of coaches and strengthening of leagues such as the Meghalaya State League, Meghalaya Youth League and the newly introduced Meghalaya Women’s State League.
He also spoke about the upcoming Mawkhanu Football Stadium, which will be the largest football-only stadium in the country, and reiterated Meghalaya’s readiness to host more national and international football events in partnership with the AIFF.
Earlier, MFA President Hamletson Dohling paid tribute to the founding members of the association and acknowledged their vision in laying the foundation for football development in the state.
“It is because of the efforts of our founders that football has grown to this level in Meghalaya. We honour the pioneers who showed us the way,” Dohling said, adding that the responsibility now lies with the present generation to carry the torch forward.
Dohling also announced the new cash incentive scheme approved by the MFA executive council in September. Under the scheme, players representing India at senior level will receive Rs 50,000, those playing for U-23 national teams will receive Rs 40,000, while players at junior and sub-junior national levels will be awarded Rs 25,000.
The financial incentives, combined with formal recognition, are expected to motivate young footballers across Meghalaya who aspire to represent India and don the jerseys of the Blue Tigers and Tigresses.