Shillong, March 29: In a significant step towards strengthening football officiating standards in the region, three referees and assistant referees from Meghalaya have successfully cleared the fitness and written examinations for Level 5 certification under the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The achievers include Pipilmoris Wanniang, designated as a women’s referee, Shidalin L Marshillong, women’s assistant referee, and Jespar Syiemlieh, men’s assistant referee. The examinations were conducted on March 25 and 27 at the prestigious Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) in Gwalior.
The Level 5 certification marks the first tier of officiating that qualifies referees and assistant referees to take charge of national-level football matches. Candidates who successfully clear this level are subsequently invited for practical assessments and viva voce, which are scheduled to take place in due course. Once fully certified, these officials can progress through higher levels, with Level 1 representing the highest certification. For context, Levels 6 to 8 cater to state-level referees and assistant referees, creating a structured pathway for officiating careers in Indian football.
The achievement of Wanniang, Marshillong, and Syiemlieh is being hailed as a milestone for football in Meghalaya, as it expands the pool of qualified match officials from the state capable of handling top-tier national competitions. Observers noted that having more certified referees from the northeast will not only improve officiating quality but also inspire young aspirants in the region to pursue careers in football administration and refereeing. Speaking on the occasion, a representative of the Meghalaya Football Association emphasised the importance of such certifications in enhancing the credibility and professionalism of officiating. “This achievement reflects the growing standards of football in the northeast and the dedication of our referees. It is encouraging to see officials from Meghalaya stepping onto the national stage,” the spokesperson said.
With football gaining momentum across India, especially in states like Meghalaya where grassroots interest continues to rise, the addition of trained Level 5 referees is expected to play a crucial role in nurturing competitive football while maintaining fair play and high officiating standards.
As the three officials await their practical assessments and viva, the football fraternity in Meghalaya looks forward to seeing them take charge in upcoming national-level matches, marking a proud moment for the state and a promising step for Indian football’s officiating ecosystem.
