Shillong: The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) organised a heartfelt send-off for the state’s Under-20 football team, which is all set to compete in the prestigious Swami Vivekananda U20 Men’s National Football Championship 2025 in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.
The send-off ceremony took place at the SSA Stadium in Polo and was attended by senior members of the MFA, including President Hamletson Dohling, General Secretary Sunesh Syiem, Vice-President Cliff Nongrum, and Executive Member Freddy Kharpran. Dohling, on behalf of the association, extended best wishes to the players and coaching staff, encouraging them to aim high and bring the trophy home.
Meghalaya has been placed in Group A alongside Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, and Rajasthan. Under the guidance of renowned coach Bobby L Nongbet, the team will begin their campaign against Jammu and Kashmir on April 27.
The tournament, which began on April 10, features 36 teams divided into eight groups—four groups of five teams and four groups of four. Only the top team from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals, making every match critical. Delhi, who clinched the inaugural edition in May 2024, are the defending champions.
The Meghalaya squad includes promising talents such as Rimankhraw Kharumnuid, Riborlang L Lyngkhoi, Franky Dkhar, Mebannangkiew Thabah, and Richborn Kharpuri, among others. With strong leadership on and off the field, the team carries the hopes of the state as they prepare to make their mark on the national stage.
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