SHILLONG : Fresh from India’s triumphant campaign in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026, Meghalaya’s football stars Sanfida Nongrum and Ribansi Jamu were accorded a warm felicitation by the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) at the MFA Ground in Shillong on Thursday.
The duo played a key role in helping India clinch the SAFF Women’s Championship title after defeating Bangladesh in the final held in Goa on June 6. The victory marked India’s first SAFF Women’s Championship crown in seven years.
Sanfida Nongrum, who made her senior India debut earlier this year, emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament. The midfielder scored in both the semifinal and final and was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the championship.
Goalkeeper Ribansi Jamu also enjoyed a memorable tournament, making her senior national team debut and featuring in India’s opening match against Maldives.
The felicitation programme was attended by senior MFA officials, including President Hamletson Dohling, Vice-President Cliff Nongrum, Treasurer Prosper Warjri, Executive Member Freddy Kharpran and Women’s Committee Chairperson Dipshon Ryntathiang. Members of the Meghalaya senior women’s team were also present to welcome the champion footballers.
Under an initiative introduced by the MFA last year, footballers representing India at the senior level are entitled to a cash incentive of Rs 50,000 each. The amount will be formally presented to Sanfida and Ribansi at a later function. During Thursday’s programme, both players received cash awards, shawls and mementoes in recognition of their achievement.
Speaking on the occasion, MFA President Hamletson Dohling praised the dedication and hard work shown by the two players.
“Meghalaya is on par with other states and these two have proved it. We expect more from them in the future,” he said.
Addressing young footballers present at the event, Sanfida encouraged aspiring players to remain focused on their dreams.
“You must work hard, be patient and focus on your goals. You have to challenge yourself and stay motivated,” she said.
Ribansi reflected on her journey from the Indian U-20 team to the senior squad, saying that despite the challenges, it was a wonderful feeling to win a title in her first senior international tournament.
Both players are now looking forward to spending time with their families before returning to club and international commitments.
Also present at the event were fellow Meghalaya footballers Fragrancy Riwan and Alisha Lyngdoh, who have previously represented India at the U-20 and U-17 levels. With players like Sanfida and Ribansi making their mark on the national stage, women’s football in Meghalaya continues to grow and inspire the next generation of young footballers.