By Monojit Mandal
Shillong is on the brink of making history as it gears up to host its first-ever Indian Super League (ISL) matches at the JN Stadium. NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) has officially chosen Shillong as its second home ground, a decision that could transform the footballing landscape of Meghalaya.
In an exclusive interview with The Shillong Times, NEUFC CEO Mandar Tamhane opened up about the club’s long-term vision, the immense potential of Shillong as a football hub, and the factors that led to this historic move.
A Natural Choice for NEUFC
For NEUFC, choosing Shillong as a second home ground was more than just a strategic decision—it was a natural one. “We are a football club that represents the entire Northeast region, not just one city or state,” said Tamhane. “It has always been our vision to expand beyond Guwahati and reach out to all eight states of the Northeast.”
Tamhane highlighted that the club’s commitment goes beyond just playing matches. NEUFC has been actively involved in grassroots development, infrastructure projects, and youth academies across the region. “Moving ISL games to Shillong aligns with our broader goal of fostering football development in the Northeast,” he added.
A key factor behind this decision was the Meghalaya government’s proactive support. “When I spoke with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, I saw the passion and vision they have for football development. That gave us the confidence that hosting ISL matches here would be a success.”
Durand Cup Success Cemented the Decision
While Shillong was always in the club’s long-term plans, the resounding success of the 2024 Durand Cup solidified the decision.
“We saw the incredible response from the fans during the Durand Cup,” Tamhane noted. “Whether it was Shillong Lajong’s matches or NEUFC’s semi-final, the stadium was packed, and the fan parks were buzzing with energy. That level of enthusiasm proved that Shillong has the potential to become the next football capital of India.”
The ISL, with its global reach and high broadcasting standards, required certain upgrades to the stadium infrastructure. With the Meghalaya government’s commitment to making these improvements, hosting ISL matches in Shillong became a realistic and exciting possibility.
Shillong’s Footballing Future: More Than Just ISL
Tamhane envisions a long-term footballing future for Shillong, not just as an ISL venue but as a major footballing hub. “This isn’t just about playing a few matches and leaving,” he emphasized. “We want to create a lasting footballing ecosystem here.”
NEUFC has already signed an MoU with the Meghalaya government for a 15-acre land allocation to establish a state-of-the-art residential academy and a high-performance center. The club is also working closely with the Meghalaya Football Association and the Department of Sports to set up grassroots training centers across different districts.
Perhaps the most exciting prospect is the possibility of Shill;ong hosting international football matches. “If all goes well, there’s a good chance we’ll see the Indian national team playing here in the near future,” Tamhane hinted.
What Lies Ahead?
While NEUFC plans to take ISL matches to other Northeast states in the future, Shillong will remain a key part of their expansion strategy.
“With our academy being built here and our teams already training in Shillong, this city is going to be like a second home for us,” said Tamhane. “We will continue playing ISL matches here, not just this year, but in the seasons to come.”
Shillong’s footballing journey is entering an exciting new phase. With government backing, club commitment, and unparalleled fan support, the city is poised to become a powerhouse of Indian football. If all goes as planned, Shillong may soon wear the crown of India’s football capital.