Shillong, May 16: Chhaygaon FC will take part in the final round of the 2025-26 I-League 3 after first qualifying, then losing 3 points and subsequently regaining them.
Chhaygaon lost their opening match to KLASA 1-0 and then beat Citadel Godavari Legends FC 2-0. Then came the match against Diamond Rock Football Academy.
The 3rd May match saw Chhaygaon win 4-0. However, three days later, they were deemed to have forfeited the game and a 3-0 win was awarded to Diamond Rock. This had the effect of knocking Chhaygaon out of the tournament when they had previously been poised to qualify for the final round.
However, there was a further twist in the tale because Chhaygaon then had the 3 points and the win reinstated. Although we’re sure an explanation was provided to the teams, the All India Football Federation has said absolutely nothing publicly on the subject.
TSR originally took an interest in the team because there are four Khasi and Garo players representing the club – Shanborlang Nonglait (pictured front row far right), who played most recently for Laitkor in the Shillong Premier League, Stephan Kyrsian (standing behind Shanborlang), Diamond Mawlong (formerly of 4 For All Academy) and Tridip Marak.
What we missed the first time round, however, is the bizarre reference to Hitler in the club’s logo, which has the name spelled out on a football that is being grasped by an eagle. Even the club’s email address is given as hitlerclub11@gmail.com. We have no idea why Chhaygaon has this reference to the genocidal dictator.
Chhaygaon will face FC Raengdai in their first final round match today at 3PM. Raengdai were in the same group as Mawlai SC in the preliminary stage.
(Photo: Chhaygaon FC/Facebook)
