By Our Reporter
Shillong, Oct 13: The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) welcomed a change in leadership as Hamletson Dohling was elected as the new President during the Annual General Meeting held on Saturday.
The MFA had extended the previous executive body’s term due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was initially meant to conclude in 2021.
Dohling, replacing Larsing Ming Sawyan, triumphed over his rival, EMH Passah, the former Vice-President of the MFA and Working President of the West Jaintia District Sports Association. Although he lacks extensive experience in sports association management, Dohling’s profound passion for football and political background as a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Adviser to the Chief Minister from the ruling National People’s Party were factors believed to help the MFA secure state government funding.
In a parallel development, Sunesh Syiem emerged as the new General Secretary, winning the election against Dipshon Ryntathiang. Both candidates boasted considerable experience within the MFA, with Ryntathiang serving as the Joint Secretary in the outgoing executive body and Syiem leading the MFA’s youth cell. SS Rapthap concluded his term as General Secretary.
Four Vice-Presidents, Hering Shangpliang, Cliff Nongrum, Dr. Lumbor Mawsor, and Gino Sangma, were also elected, alongside Joint Secretaries Coming Tlang and Dipshon Lyngdoh Nongbri. The Treasurer position went to Prosper Warjri, with five Executive Members being chosen, namely Phelenstar Rani, Resin Nongsiej, Freddy Kharpran, YG Lyngdoh, and Hiamdor Rapsang. Remarkably, only two members from the new executive body were retained from the previous administration – Nongrum and Sangma.The outgoing executive body, which assumed office in 2017, introduced several groundbreaking initiatives such as the Meghalaya State League and Baby League. Their efforts culminated in winning the Sub-Junior Boys National Football Championship in 2019 and securing runners-up in the Santosh Trophy this year. Moreover, the MFA has successfully enhanced the number of qualified coaches and referees through comprehensive training programs.
The newly elected leadership faces formidable challenges ahead, including the establishment of a women’s league, the long-discussed youth league, the post-pandemic revival of the Baby League, and the imperative need to upgrade sports infrastructure.
Dohling emphasized that their initial focus will be on upgrading the aging turf at the MFA’s Third Ground facility with the support of state government funding. He cited the government’s substantial budget allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for sports infrastructure as an opportunity that the MFA aims to harness.
The MFA’s new administration is poised to assemble the executive council, and committees are slated to be formed, with Dohling and Syiem expressing their gratitude to the outgoing body for advancing Meghalaya’s football and committing to continue nurturing the aspirations of young football enthusiasts.