Shillong, Apr 22: The Meghalaya Football Association organised a send-off for the state team that will take part in the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men’s National Football Championship 2025 in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.
Meghalaya have been slotted in Group A with Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar and Rajasthan. Led by celebrated coach Bobby L Nongbet, Meghalaya will face J&K in the first match on 27th April.
A total of 36 teams have been split into eight groups (four groups with five teams each and four groups with four teams each). Delhi are the defending champions after winning the inaugural edition in May 2024. Only the eight group winners will progress to the quarterfinals.
The group stage has been staggered, with the tournament having begun on 10th April.
At the send-off held at the SSA Stadium in Polo here today were senior MFA members, led by President Hamletson Dohling, General Secretary Sunesh Syiem, Vice-President Cliff Nongrum and Executive Member Freddy Kharpran.
Dohling expressed the MFA’s best wishes to the whole team, who will leave for Chhattisgarh tomorrow, as they aim to bring the trophy home.
Meghalaya squad: Rimankhraw Kharumnuid, Riborlang L Lyngkhoi, Franky Dkhar, Mebannangkiew Thabah, Chibait Pamthied, Banpliebok Khongjoh, Banlamkupar Rynjah, Deibormame Tongper, Ricky Kharkongor, Richborn Kharpuri, Bipush G Marak, Babitlang Wahlang, Jovialstar L Lyngkhoi, Pyrkhatshaphrang Sumer, Nikiboy Swer, RT Hanson Pdang, Pynshailang L Nonglait, Arkini Laloo
Support staff: Bobby L Nongbet (coach), Damehi Kyndiah (assistant coach/manager), Baiainehlang Bareh (physio)
(Meghalaya Football Association photo)
