Shillong, Dec 7: Three female Meghalaya footballers – (pictured from left) Eiladki Ksoo, Ibashembha Khongsit and Ibadarihun Nongsiej – have been invited to attend trials for the Indian U-17 women’s national team, which are to be held in Bangalore.
The three were selected on the basis of their performance in the recently-concluded Meghalaya Women’s State League. Eiladki and Ibadarihun both represented Laitkor, while Ibashembha played for Mawlum Tyrsad.
“This achievement speaks to their dedication and to the growing strength of women’s football in our state,” Meghalaya Football Association President Hamletson Dohling said in a social media post today morning. “It is encouraging to see young athletes stepping forward and taking their place on larger platforms.”
He added advice to approach the trials with confidence, humility and a willingness to learn. “Whatever the outcome, this opportunity is well deserved. Wishing them all the very best,” Dohling added.
In an email to the MFA seen by TSR, the All India Football Federation said that these trials are part of the national team’s preparations for the U-17 Asian Cup 2026 in China, which India has already qualified for. In order to be ready for the continental event, “we are looking out for talented players to strengthen the squad, based on recommendations from the AIFF scouting department,” the national body added.
Meghalaya had two girls in the Indian squad that qualified for China 2026 – Bonifilia Shullai and Alisha Lyngdoh.
The players must report in Bangalore before 11th December. If selected, they will continue to train at the camp in Bangalore.
(Meghalaya Football Association photos)