Shillong, April 8: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, on Tuesday praised the young footballers of Myngken Christian School as the “true ambassadors of Meghalaya” for their recent incredible performance in France. “This is not just a victory in football; it is a victory for the youth of Meghalaya. Your performance has made the entire state proud and shown the world that talent from our hills can shine on any global stage,” he told the young players.
The under 17- Football team of Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School, Ri-Bhoi District, who secured the third position at the Indo-French Football Tournament 2025, which took place from March 25 to 29, 2025 in Paris, France, was felicitated by the Chief Minister on Tuesday at the Main Conference Hall, Main Secretariat. Also present on the occasion were D.D.Shira, Director of Sports & Youth Affairs, Hamlet Dohling, President of Meghalaya Football Association and other officials.
Lauding the achievement of the young athletes for being true ambassadors of Meghalaya and India on an international platform, he highlighted the government’s commitment to sports as a vehicle of empowerment and transformation. “The Government of Meghalaya considers sports as an integral part of education and youth development. Our policies, infrastructure, and missions are all geared towards nurturing and supporting our young talents,” he emphasized.
After their runner-up finish in the Subroto Cup 2024, the team was invited to compete at the Indo-French Football Tournament where they faced top-tier French clubs like FC Versailles, Sarcelles FC, and Grigny FC. Despite fierce competition, the Meghalaya team secured the 3rd place, behind FC Versailles and Sarcelles FC, and ahead of Grigny FC. Their trip was sponsored by the Government of Meghalaya with an amount close to Rs. 50 lakh.
They also participated in career counselling and well-being sessions organized by the Indo-French Sports Association. This tournament was more than just football – it was about unity, cultural exchange, and strengthening the bond between India and France.
Exposure to international standards and training methods shall help the players refine their technical skills and tactics, raising their overall performance levels. Competing against high-level international teams will also help in boosting the players’ confidence, helping them perform better in future matches and tournaments.
The Chief Minister also announced another milestone – Olympique Lyonnais Academy, one of Europe’s premier football institutions, has invited Meghalaya’s U-18 State Football Team for a 20-day elite training camp in France starting June 5, 2025. This invitation includes daily access to the training grounds of the academy, guided tours of the Olympique Lyonnais facilities, as well as friendly matches against regional partner clubs.
“Our youth deserve the world stage, and as a government, we are committed to ensuring they have the infrastructure, training, and support to get there. This felicitation is just the beginning of greater journeys ahead,” Sangma said.
He also reiterated the vision behind the Chief Minister’s Football Mission (CMFM), aiming to build Meghalaya as the “Football Capital of India.”
Key components of the CMFM initiative:
– Mawkhanu Sports Complex – A ₹732 crore project, this is set to become one of the largest football stadiums in the Northeast, with a seating capacity of 40,000. It is scheduled for completion by 2028.
– P.A. Sangma Sports Complex – Currently under development at a cost of ₹127.7 crore, it is expected to be India’s largest football stadium built with pre-engineered technology. The complex will include two indoor halls (currently under construction) featuring facilities for swimming, badminton, table tennis, and other indoor sports. The indoor halls are scheduled for completion by 2026.
– J.N. Sports Complex Renovation and Development Project – With an estimated cost of ₹100 crore, this project will include a fully functional natural football ground and a synthetic track, both expected to be ready by 2026. The stadium will have a seating capacity of 15,000.
– Wahiajer Stadium, Wahiajer – This ₹64.4 crore project will feature an artificial football turf and an athletic track, with a planned capacity of 5,000 people.
– Ampati Stadium – Also a ₹64.4 crore project, the construction is currently underway and nearing completion.
Further, the State Government has engaged around 35,000+ participants annually with 10+ National and International Sports Events hosted since 2022.
The entire 16-member team—all students from Classes IX and X of Mynken Christian Higher Secondary School—were felicitated along with their coaching staff:
Head Coach: Bobby L Nongbet (DSO Nongpoh, AFCA Licence)
Assistant Coach: Kitborlang Kharlukhi
Team Manager: Carmelius Ramshon
Players Felicitated:
1. Wanpli Malang (Captain)
2. Mebankhraw Nongrum
3. Precious Stone Nongsiej
4. Mebatskhem Shylla
5. Bipiush G Marak
6. Pynshailang L Nonglait
7. Saindur Rynjah
8. Banpliebok Khongjoh
9. Richborn Kharpuri
10. Erickson Pamsad
11. Banganson Nongphlang
12. Samepaia Thangkhiew
13. Andrewson Marbaniang
14. Franky Dkhar
15. Alicestar Thangkhiew
16. Mebanlamlynti Masharing
Also Read: Meghalaya govt to move forward with Cenotaph project only after consultations with stakeholders
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