By Our Reporter
Shillong, May 4: Meghalaya have named an 18-member squad to be led by experienced youth coach Jeffrey Warlarpih for the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s National Football Championship 2026, which will take place in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.
Meghalaya have been drawn in the five-team Group A along with Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand.
The state team’s first match will be against Bihar on 9 May.
Last year Meghalaya exited the tournament in the semifinals while in 2024 they were knocked out in the group stage, so there has been progression over the years and the boys will want to go even further in 2026.
On Monday, the Meghalaya Football Association held a send-off for the team with warm words from MFA General Secretary Sunesh Syiem, Vice-President Cliff Nongrum and other senior members – Dipshon L Nongbri and Freddy Kharpran.
Meghalaya squad
Goalkeepers: Jovialstar L Lyngkhoi, Kangkam G Momin
Defenders: Bipiush G Marak, Damitre Kynjing, Imeral Jana, Pynshailang L Nonglait, Shemkupar Massar, Defender Sylliang
Midfielders: Phermanbha Lyngdoh, Sholinstar Syngkli, Gerald Ebenezer Kharbyngar, Menangpyndap Khongjee, Dawansalanmi Malang
Forwards: Mebanlamlynti Masharing, Alex Manar, Ryan Gibbs Kharnaior, Samborlang Langte, Banganson Nongphlang
Support staff: Jeffrey Warlarpih (head coach), Khrawbok Syngkli (assistant coach), Amit Rai (manager), Banisha Lapasam (physio).
