By Our Reporter
Shillong, March 23:The Sports and Youth Affairs Department hosted a formal send-off ceremony for the U-17 boys’ state football team from Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School, Bhoirymbong, at Hotel Centre Point.
The team is set to represent Meghalaya in the 2nd edition of the Indo-French Football Tournament, scheduled to take place in Paris, France, from March 24 to 30, 2025.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) President Hamletson Dohling, former MFA President and Shillong Lajong FC owner Larsing M Sawyan, and Sports and Youth Affairs Director DD Shira, among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dohling, who also serves as an Adviser to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, extended his best wishes to the team. He encouraged the young players to remain disciplined while representing the state on foreign soil and expressed confidence in their potential to perform well in the tournament.
Highlighting the importance of grassroots development in Meghalaya’s football scene, Dohling announced that the MFA, with government support, is planning to establish a football academy to nurture young talent in the state.
Meanwhile, officials from the Sports and Youth Affairs Department emphasized that the tournament presents a significant opportunity for the team—not only to compete at an international level but also to gain exposure to global football standards and experience French culture.
The team’s participation in the tournament is facilitated by the Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society, which extended the invitation to the Junior Boys (U-17) from Myngken Christian HS School, Ri Bhoi District.
As the young footballers prepare to embark on this prestigious journey, hopes are high that they will showcase Meghalaya’s footballing talent on an international stage.