By Our Reporter
Shillong, Oct 10: Three footballers from Meghalaya have tasted national success as part of Diamond Harbour FC, which recently clinched the 2024-25 I-League 3 title.
The Kolkata-based club, founded in 2022, triumphed over Chanmari FC of Mizoram with a 1-0 victory in the final held on 6th October.
The Meghalayan trio included Shaiborlang Kharpan and Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw, both experienced players in the Indian football circuit. While Shaibor made one start, came on as a substitute in four matches, and remained on the bench for four other games, he also scored a crucial goal against Downtown Heroes FC of Srinagar during the season. Banpynkhrawnam had a similar stint, starting one game, coming on as a substitute once, and being an unused substitute in four matches.Another Meghalayan, Dawanchwa Carlos Challam, briefly featured for Diamond Harbour FC with two match starts early in the season but did not appear in the later stages.
Sheen Sohktung, another player from Shillong, was also briefly associated with the team but did not feature in any I-League 3 matches.
He returned to Shillong and participated in a local futsal tournament for the AG Office.
Diamond Harbour FC’s victory marks a significant milestone for the young club and a proud moment for the Meghalayan players who contributed to their success on the national stage.
The success of these Meghalayan footballers with Diamond Harbour FC not only highlights their individual talent but also showcases the growing presence of players from the state in national-level competitions. Their contributions, both on and off the field, are a testament to the skill and potential of Meghalaya’s footballing community. As Diamond Harbour FC celebrates their I-League 3 triumph, the achievement serves as an inspiration for young footballers from the region aiming to make their mark on the national stage. With Meghalaya’s rich footballing culture, the presence of local players in national leagues like the I-League 3 emphasizes the state’s growing footprint in Indian football. The experiences of Shaibor, Banpynkhrawnam, and Dawanchwa with Diamond Harbour FC will undoubtedly inspire future generations of footballers from the region, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and compete at higher levels.