Shillong, Jan 22: Meghalaya will play their first match in the men’s football event at the Khelo India Youth Games 2024 on Tuesday against Uttar Pradesh. The match will kick off at 9AM at the Madras University ground.
Meghalaya have been drawn in Group A with Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and the hosts Tamil Nadu. Group B consists of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Goa and Odisha.
Meghalaya and six of the other teams qualified for this tournament after they finished as the best seven teams at last year’s Junior National Football Championship (Tier 1). Tamil Nadu, meanwhile, qualified as hosts.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals.
Meghalaya were semifinalists in 2023 as well as in 2022, losing both times to Kerala and thus finishing with a bronze medal each year.
The state’s 20-member football squad is being led by officials Jeffrey Warlarpih and Beneslaus Khyriem.
Meghalaya fixtures:
vs Uttar Pradesh, 23rd January, 9AM, Madras University
vs Punjab, 25th January, 3PM, Madras University
vs Tamil Nadu, 27th January, 9AM, JN Stadium B Ground
Meghalaya squad:
Kangkam G Momin, Babitlang Wahlang, Chibaitki Pamthied, Colinsalmon Lyngdoh, Teibok Nongrum, Mebanaibok Kharbudnah, Easter Selchang Ch Sangma, Deibormame Tongper, Da-o-hipaia Rymbai, Badondor Marbaniang, Rimankhraw Kharumnuid, Firstborn Roy Khongsit, Mebannangkiew Thabah, Wanboklang Wahlang, Bipiush G Marak, Bantiplang Khongnoh, Mebanlamlynti Marsharing, Ronald Kharkongor, Samchaphrang Lato, Khainkupar Iawphniaw
(Photo contributed)