By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 17: Meghalaya will have double reason to cheer at the upcoming South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-17 Women’s Championship in Bhutan, with two of its promising talents making the cut for the national squad.
Midfielder Bonifilia Shullai from Shillong and defender Alisha Lyngdoh from East Jaintia Hills have both been named in the 23-member Indian team announced on Sunday.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma was quick to share his delight on social media, stating, “So proud to see the names of two players from Meghalaya in the 23-member Indian National Squad for this year’s South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-17 Women’s Championship in Bhutan.
Congratulations and best wishes to Bonifilia Shullai, Mid Fielder from Shillong and Alisha Lyngdoh, Defender from East Jaintia Hills. Let’s cheer for Team India!” The squad will be led by Swedish coach Joakim Alexandersson, who recently guided the Indian U-20 women’s team to a historic qualification for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup.
His new assignment focuses on steering the U-17 side ahead of their continental qualifiers in Kyrgyzstan this October.
The SAFF Championship, hosted in Thimphu from August 20 to 31, introduces a double round-robin format featuring India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Each team will play six matches, with the table-toppers claiming the title.
The Young Tigresses will open their campaign against Nepal on August 20, followed by clashes with Bangladesh on August 22 and Bhutan on August 24.
The return fixtures will see them face Bhutan again on August 27, Nepal on August 29, and Bangladesh in the concluding tie on August 31.
All matches are slated at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.
The inclusion of Bonifilia and Alisha in the national setup marks another significant milestone for women’s football in Meghalaya, a state that has consistently produced gifted players despite limited resources and infrastructure.
Their selection not only reflects individual talent and hard work but also serves as inspiration for aspiring youngsters across the hills who dream of wearing the India jersey.
With the state government and local associations steadily promoting grassroots initiatives, the progress of these two youngsters on the continental stage will be closely followed back home.
As the Young Tigresses embark on their SAFF campaign in Thimphu, the performances of Bonifilia and Alisha will carry with them the pride and hopes of Meghalaya, and should they rise to the occasion, it could well mark the beginning of brighter opportunities for women’s football in the state.