Shillong, Mar 8: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced a special grant of Rs 2 lakh to Sanfida Nongrum after the Meghalaya footballer made her debut for the Indian senior women’s national football team in the ongoing AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
Sanfida scored in India’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Vietnam on 4th March. She is the first Meghalaya woman to play for the senior Indian women’s team and her goal was the first for India in this competition in 23 years.
“Congratulations, Sanfida! Our hearts swell with pride to see you shine on an international stage. Though Team India lost to Vietnam women’s national football team, her performance has ignited hope and inspiration for countless girls and women from small towns who dare to dream big, just like she did,” Sangma wrote on social media.
Sangma said the Meghalaya’s daughter also makes history as the first woman from the state in India’s senior football team. “Such remarkable talent, skill and sportsmanship from a young woman from a small town truly deserve appreciation,” he added.
Sanfida should also be eligible for a Rs 50,000 cash incentive from the Meghalaya Football Association as per the latter’s policy instituted last year.
(All India Football Federation file photo)
