Shillong, Sep 17: Meghalaya’s Banlamkupar Rynjah and Manbhakupar Malngiang have been named in the 23-member India squad for the upcoming SAFF U-17 Championship, set to be held in Bhutan. The selection of the two players from Meghalaya highlights the growing talent from the state in Indian football.
India will compete in Group A of the tournament, facing Bangladesh on September 20 and Maldives on September 24. All matches, including the semifinals on September 28 and the final on September 30, will be held at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.
Head coach Ishfaq Ahmed, who announced the squad on Tuesday, will lead the team from a camp in Srinagar, with the Blue Colts departing for Thimphu on Wednesday.
The inclusion of young talents from Meghalaya is seen as a significant boost to the state’s footballing ecosystem, which has been producing a steady stream of promising players.
The 23-member squad consists of a mix of players across different positions, with Rynjah and Malngiang representing Meghalaya in the midfield. As India prepares for the championship, all eyes will be on the team’s performance under Ahmed’s guidance.The selection of Banlamkupar Rynjah and Manbhakupar Malngiang is not only a proud moment for Meghalaya but also a testament to the state’s steady progress in nurturing footballing talent at the grassroots level.
Over the years, Meghalaya has produced several notable players, and the inclusion of these two youngsters in the national squad reinforces the region’s growing influence on the Indian football scene.
Their journey from local fields in Shillong to representing India on the international stage will inspire a new generation of footballers in the state.
As India prepares for the SAFF U-17 Championship, the contributions of Rynjah and Malngiang will be crucial to the team’s success, with their versatility and energy in midfield expected to strengthen the squad. Moreover, this exposure will offer them invaluable experience and an opportunity to further develop their skills against international competition. With the entire state rallying behind them, their performances will undoubtedly be followed with keen interest, and their success could mark a significant step forward for Meghalaya’sfootball culture.
India squad for SAFF U17 C’ship
Goalkeepers: Aheibam Suraj Singh, Nandan Roy, Rohit
Defenders: Brahmacharimayum Sumit Sharma, Chingtham Renin Singh, Jodric Abranches, Karish Soram, Mohammed Kaif, Usham Thoungamba Singh, Yaipharemba Chingakham
Midfielders: Abdul Salha Sheergojri, Ahongshangbam Samson, Banlamkupar Rynjah, Kh Azlaan Khan, Levis Zangminlun, Mahmad Sami, Manbhakupar Malngiang, Md Arbash, Ngamgouhou Mate, Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh, Vishal Yadav
Forwards: Bharat Lairenjam, Hemneichung Lunkim.