Shillong, Feb 20: The Meghalaya team for the Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament, which will be held from Thursday in Assam, was revealed to the press today.
The tournament is a pan-North East state-level competition organised by the North Eastern Council named in honour of the late Dr Talimeren Ao, who captained the Indian football team in the 1940s.
The decidedly youthful 18-member squad is led by experienced youth coach Bobby Nongbet. The players are drawn from several districts and have played in various local football clubs.
A small send-off was organised by the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) at the JN Stadium today. MFA CEO Arki Nongrum encouraged the young team to see the tournament as a stepping stone to greater things and not as a standalone. He said that the players will be at the perfect age when Meghalaya hosts the National Games in 2022 and they should have a four-five year plan for themselves and where they want to be as footballers.
Meghalaya’s first match will take place on Friday versus Sikkim at 10:30AM. Next up will be Tripura on Saturday, followed by Mizoram on Sunday. Kick-off for the latter two games will be at 5PM.
Squad: Kenio Lyngkhoi (C), Khlainborlang Wahlang, Habymmutshuh Nongrum, Wilbert Donboklang Marbaniang, Damehun Syih, Freestar Kharbangar, Andyson Lapang, Ronneychel Khongrangjem, Dawanbiang Lyngdoh, Denzil Warjri, Donboklang Lyngdoh, Phrangki Buam, Robert Khongjoh, Samuel Kynshi, Deepak Chetri, Ronaldkydon Lyngdoh Nonglait, Wanboklang Lyngkhoi, Hesmanwell Lyngdoh
Coach: Bobby Nongbet
Assistant coach: Kitbor Kharkongor
Physio: Vicky N Syiem
Manager: Kiran Joshi
(TSR photo)
