8th April 2025: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, today, felicitated the under 17- Football team of Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School, Ri-Bhoi District who secured the third position at the Indo-French Football Tournament 2025, which took place from the 25th to the 29th of March 2025 in Paris, France.
The felicitation program was held at the Main Conference Hall, Main Secretariat in the presence of D.D.Shira, Director of Sports & Youth Affairs, Hamlet Dohling, President of Meghalaya Football Association and other officials.
In his remarks, Chief Minister lauded the achievement of the young athletes for being true ambassadors of Meghalaya and India on an international platform. “This is not just a victory in football; it is a victory for the youth of Meghalaya. Your performance has made the entire state proud and shown the world that talent from our hills can shine on any global stage,” he said.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to sports as a vehicle of empowerment and transformation. “The Government of Meghalaya considers sports as an integral part of education and youth development. Our policies, infrastructure, and missions are all geared towards nurturing and supporting our young talents,” he emphasized.
The Chief Minister also announced another milestone: “I am delighted to share that the Olympique Lyonnais Academy, one of Europe’s premier football institutions, has invited the Meghalaya U-18 State Football Team for a 20-day elite training camp in France starting June 5, 2025. This exposure will be a massive boost for our players.” This invitation to Olympique Lyonnais includes daily access to the training grounds of the academy, guided tours of the Olympique Lyonnais facilities, as well as friendly matches against regional partner clubs.
“This tournament was more than just football it was about unity, cultural exchange, and strengthening the bond between India and France,” he said adding that exposure to international standards and training helped the players refine their technical skills and tactics, raising their overall performance levels.
After their runner-up finish in the Subroto Cup 2024, the team was invited to compete at the Indo-French Football Tournament where they faced top-tier French clubs like FC Versailles, Sarcelles FC, and Grigny FC. Despite fierce competition, the Meghalaya team earned their podium finish through grit and teamwork. They also participated in career counselling and well-being sessions organized by the Indo-French Sports Association.
The Chief Minister further said, “Our youth deserve the world stage, and as a government, we are committed to ensuring they have the infrastructure, training, and support to get there. This felicitation is just the beginning of greater journeys ahead.”
He reiterated that the vision behind the Chief Minister’s Football Mission (CMFM) is aimed at building Meghalaya as the “Football Capital of India.”
The key components of the CMFM include:
1.Mawkhanu Sports Complex which is a Rs. 732 Crore project is poised to be one of North East’s largest football stadium with a 40,000 capacity (completion by 2028).
2.The ongoing development of P.A. Sangma Sports Complex (Rs. 127.7 Crore) will be considered to be India’s Largest Football Stadium with pre-engineered technology. It will have 2 Indoor Halls of which are under construction with spaces for swimming, badminton, table tennis, and other indoor sports. The Indoor Halls to be completed in 2026.
3.JN Sports Complex renovation and development project which is about a cost of Rs. 100 Crore will have fully functional Natural Football ground, synthetic track by 2026 of which will have a capacity of 15,000.
4.Wahiajer Stadium, Wahiajer which is a Rs.64.4 Crore project is poised to have an artificial football turf and athletic track which will have a capacity of 5,000 paople.
5. Ampati Stadium (Rs. 64.4 Crore) construction is also simultaneously underway with the stadium nearing completion.
The State Government has engaged around 35,000+ participants annually with 10+ National and International Sports Events hosted since 2022.
Sponsored by the Government of Meghalaya with an amount close to 50 lakh rupees, the 16-member squad also competed in France against top clubs. They secured third place, behind FC Versailles and Sarcelles FC, and ahead of Grigny FC.
Beyond the field, the team participated in interactive career counselling and well-being sessions by the Indo-French Sports Association, gaining insights into football careers, sports management, and international opportunities.
The entire 16-member team—all students from Classes IX and X of Mynken Christian Higher Secondary School—were felicitated along with their coaching staff:
Head Coach: Bobby L Nongbet (DSO Nongpoh, AFCA Licence)
Assistant Coach: Kitborlang Kharlukhi
Team Manager: Carmelius Ramshon
Players Felicitated:
1. Wanpli Malang (Captain)
2. Mebankhraw Nongrum
3. Precious Stone Nongsiej
4. Mebatskhem Shylla
5. Bipiush G Marak
6. Pynshailang L Nonglait
7. Saindur Rynjah
8. Banpliebok Khongjoh
9. Richborn Kharpuri
10. Erickson Pamsad
11. Banganson Nongphlang
12. Samepaia Thangkhiew
13. Andrewson Marbaniang
14. Franky Dkhar
15. Alicestar Thangkhiew
16. Mebanlamlynti Masharing