Shillong: Shillong is set to create history in the world of football, as it prepares to host not one, but two major international football matches at the renowned Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in March.
This is a huge development for the city, which has long been passionate about football but has never before witnessed international-level matches on its home turf.
Originally, it had been announced that Shillong would host an AFC Asian Cup qualifying match between India and Bangladesh on March 25.
However, in a thrilling update, it has now been confirmed that another match, between India and the Maldives, will take place just a few days earlier, either on March 19 or March 20.
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The exciting news was shared by Hamletson Dohling, the president of the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA), who confirmed that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had formally proposed the idea for both matches.
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey had presented the proposal, which has already secured approval from the Meghalaya government.
This marks a major step forward for the region, especially since international matches have often bypassed Northeast India in the past.
In a further update, Dohling revealed that officials from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are scheduled to visit Shillong on January 20 to inspect the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Their inspection will determine whether the stadium meets international standards, and once the AFC gives its official approval, Shillong will be officially confirmed as the venue for both of these exciting international fixtures.
The announcement has generated a wave of excitement among football enthusiasts across the region.
Social media platforms are abuzz with anticipation, as many fans eagerly await the chance to witness Shillong’s first-ever international football matches.
The opportunity to see top-tier international teams play on home ground is a dream come true for football lovers in the state.
This development is expected to significantly elevate Shillong’s status in Indian football, further cementing its reputation as a growing football hub in India.
The two upcoming matches will not only showcase the talent of the national teams but also provide an invaluable platform for the city’s football culture to shine on a global stage.
With the eyes of the country on Shillong, the city’s successful hosting of these matches could serve as a springboard for future international events, bringing further recognition and support to football in Meghalaya and Northeast India as a whole.
