Shillong, August 27 : The Meghalaya junior boys football team left Shillong for Bengaluru on Thursday to compete in the Junior Boys National Football Championship 2026-27 (Tier 1) for the Dr. BC Roy Trophy.
Meghalaya have been drawn in Group C alongside Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Mizoram, with only the group winners advancing to the semifinals.
The team will begin its campaign against Tamil Nadu on September 1 at 11 AM, followed by a match against Maharashtra on September 3 at 11 AM. Meghalaya will play their final group-stage fixture against Mizoram on September 5 at 8.30 AM.
The 20-member squad will be led by head coach Playerson Jitem Syiemlieh, with Snenglang Wankhar as assistant coach, Amit Rai as manager and Levon Lyngdoh as physiotherapist.
A send-off programme was held at the Meghalaya Football Association Ground in Shillong before the team’s departure. MFA President Hamletson Dohling, Vice-President Cliff Nongrum and Youth Development Cell Chairman Freddy Kharpran were present at the programme along with family members of the players.
Addressing the team, Dohling stressed the importance of discipline both on and off the field and said the national championship would provide the young players with an important opportunity to showcase their talent and progress in their footballing journey.
Meghalaya squad: Franky Kharkrang, Mangpaka Nongkynrih, Aiborlang Mulieh, Sannaky Nongsiej, Kishan Wahlang, Shanborlang Khonjee, Samuel Malieh, Seibok Lyngdoh, Damankynsai Marbaniang, Albin Kharbani, Malenga N Sangma, Skhemlang Myrthong, ME Matlai, Adriel Nongbet, Pyrkhat Marbaniang, Wallambok Thongni, Aibannangkhraw Kharumnuid, Andrew Kharsati, Habankhlur Lyngdoh Mawnai and Haban Kara Blah.
Support staff: Playerson Jitem Syiemlieh (head coach), Snenglang Wankhar (assistant coach), Amit Rai (manager) and Levon Lyngdoh (physio).
