Shillong, October 28 : Shillong once again proved its stature as one of India’s most passionate football hubs as the Women’s Tri-Nation Football Tournament concluded successfully at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The event marked the return of international women’s football to the city after nearly a decade.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which recently hosted the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier in April 2025 and two successive editions of the prestigious Durand Cup (2024 and 2025), once again demonstrated its capacity and readiness to stage top-tier competitions. The smooth organisation of these back-to-back events underscores Meghalaya’s preparedness to host the 39th National Games in 2027.
IR Iran emerged champions after registering victories over India and Nepal, while Nepal claimed the runners-up position by defeating India 2-1 in the final fixture.
Throughout the tournament, dignitaries including Prestone Tynsong, Deputy Chief Minister; Wailadmiki Shylla, Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs; Kalyan Chaubey, President, All India Football Federation (AIFF); D.D. Shira, MCS, Director, Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs; and Hamletson Dohling, President, Meghalaya Football Association (MFA), graced the matches and interacted with players from the three participating nations.
On the concluding day of the tournament, D.D. Shira, MCS, Director, Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, and Hamletson Dohling, President (MFA), jointly felicitated Wailadmiki Shylla, Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, and Kalyan Chaubey, President (AIFF), with a specially signed jersey, symbolising the collective spirit of collaboration between the State and the national football fraternity.
D.D. Shira, MCS, Director, Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, said, “Overall, the tournament was a huge success, displaying the State’s capability to host international matches.”
The tournament also highlighted the State’s focus on nurturing local talent. Meghalaya players Bonifilia Shullai and Alisha Lyngdoh were felicitated for their contribution to women’s football, underlining the State’s commitment to creating pathways from grassroots to elite levels.
Players and coaches praised Shillong’s warm atmosphere and sporting culture. Indian head coach Crispin Chettri appreciated the city’s enthusiasm and facilities, while midfielder Sangita Basfore lauded the overwhelming support of football lovers for the Indian team and women’s football at large. The Women’s Tri-Nation Tournament has added another chapter to Meghalaya’s football journey, cementing the State’s position as a key destination for major sporting events in the country.
