Raphael Warjri

The Jawaharlal Nehru (J.N.) Stadium in Shillong hosted the first match in
the Group F category of the prestigious 133rd Indian Oil Durand Cup. Hon’ble Chief Minister,
Shri Conrad K. Sangma, graced the inaugural event of the Durand Cup, joined by Hon’ble
Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Prestone Tynsong and Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar, Hon’ble
Sports Minister Shri Shakliar Warjri, and Chief Secretary, Shri D P Wahlang, IAS.
The inauguration was also attended by, Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Air Officer Commanding in Chief
Eastern Air Command, Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, General Officer Commanding 101Area,
Maj Gen Rajesh A Moghe, VSM Vice Chairman Durand Cup Organising Committee and a number
of senior military and civil officials.
The afternoon kicked off with a match between Shillong Lajong FC and Tribhuvan Army Football
Club (TAFC) as part of the schedule for Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to host Group F matches, in
which Shillong Lajong FC clinched victory over Tribhuvan Army Football Club (TAFC) with a
single goal, placing them at the top of the group table.
In the upcoming days the teams - Shillong Lajong FC, Indian Super League sides FC Goa,
Hyderabad FC, and Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army Football Club will play matches in the now revamped
stadium.
The event is the first of this scale hosted at the J.N. Stadium since 2016, a significant moment for
the State. The Stadium Development was accelerated ahead of its scheduled construction to ensure
that compliances were met for the hosting of the Durand Cup. This included the construction of
the North and South Stand, the fitting of seats in all stands to comply with International Event
guidelines under AFC, and the renovation of the West Stand VIP area. Further, the natural turf
was re-laid entirely with natural grass conducive to the Shillong climate. The Stadium’s Floodlights
were also replaced to reach the lighting levels required for international matches and Television
broadcast standards. The Player’s Dressing Areas and Official’s rooms were also upgraded as per
international standards.
The Government of Meghalaya, the representatives of the All India Football Federation (AIFF),
and the Indian Armed Forces jointly expressed their joy at being able to bring the Tournament to
Meghalaya for this season and have been satisfied with the stadium facilities for football.
The Stadium shall also continue its upgradation after the event, which shall include the final
touches of the structure and the laying of a synthetic Athletic track, which shall be completed soon.

Since the launch of the State Sports Policy in 2018, the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs
has made significant strides. This includes the construction of sports infrastructure across the state,
launch of talent identification and nurturing schemes like the STAR Program, as well as the hosting
of state, national, and international events. This is most evident in the initiatives made for the
development of football in the State.
Mission Football, the State’s Marquee Scheme for Football Development, has ensured the
construction of 111 Grassroots Centres across the State, where nearly 8000 children receive
training each year. Further, over 25,000 children participate each year in the U-12 Football
Tournament and the Subroto Cup State Qualifiers. Associations with the Meghalaya Football
Association have enabled the Meghalaya State League and the Meghalaya Youth League. Further,
through Meghalaya Tourism, Support of North-East United FC and Shillong Lajong FC has
already been explored in the last two years, totalling almost Rs. 10 Cr. in financial sponsorship.
This remarkable investment in the Sports Ecosystem, with football in particular, has yielded
noteworthy results. The Meghalaya State Team were the Runners-Up in the Santosh Trophy, 2023,
surpassing many strong teams from India in the process. The U-17 Football Team have
consistently won medals in football at the Khelo India Games, winning gold in 2024 in Tamil
Nadu.
The Government, through the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, looks forward to
continuing their efforts to build on the success of Mission Football and other schemes. With this
in mind, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya (HCM) announced that Mission Football shall
be revamped and an updated scheme shall be announced soon, highlighting new ways to promote
football in the state, and develop the culture of football in Meghalaya.
As an extension of the Scheme, HCM also announced a Local Football Club Support Scheme,
where Elite Clubs participating in I-League 2 and above can apply for grants up to Rs. 3 Crore,
and Grassroots/Intermediate Clubs of the State can apply for grants up to Rs. 15 Lakh.
HCM, Shri Conrad K. Sangma addressed the press today after the match, saying, “We urge the
citizens of Shillong to come out in large numbers to watch the matches of the Durand Cup. Further, we are happy
to use the occasion to share the initiatives the Government has begun for football and other sports in the state. Such
spends on infrastructure, events, and grants are not an expenditure, but an investment in our youth ”
With Mission Football 2.0 the government intents to improve upon the infrastructure of more
football. It was also highlighted that the government in collaboration with North East United
Footbal Club (NEUFC) will soon have a one of its kind residential academy at Mawkhanu, New
Shillong Township.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister was also informed by the Eastern Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Ram
Chander Tiwari, that the quality of the grass is better in comparison to Kolkata Stadium. More
Announcements of the developments and other initiatives shall be announced on the notification
of the Scheme.