By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 8: Meghalaya’s young footballer Sanfida Nongrum scripted history after scoring on her senior international debut for the India women’s national football team during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, becoming the first woman from Meghalaya to represent India at the senior international level.
The forward found the net in the 52nd minute after coming on as a second-half substitute in India’s match against the Vietnam women’s national football team at Perth Rectangular Stadium on March 4.
Her strike ended India’s 23-year wait for a goal in the continental tournament, with the last one coming in 2003.
Despite the personal milestone, Nongrum’s goal could not prevent India from suffering a narrow defeat against Vietnam.
“Although I am happy to score my first goal on my debut for India, I feel disappointed that we lost the match in the final moments. We will learn from this and move forward to face Japan,” Nongrum said after the match.
Her achievement has been widely hailed back home, with Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, congratulating the young footballer for bringing pride to the state and the region.
Praising her historic feat, Sangma noted that Nongrum’s performance marks an important milestone for women’s football in the state and across the North East.
As a gesture of recognition, the Chief Minister also announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the player through the Chief Minister’s Special Grant.
Sangma further expressed hope that Nongrum’s success would inspire more young footballers from Meghalaya and the North East to pursue the sport and represent the country on the international stage.
