SHILLONG, July 9:As the FIFA World Cup continues to captivate millions around the globe, four of Meghalaya’s most respected football figures have delivered a clear message: while football is deeply rooted in the state’s identity, sustained success will only come through stronger grassroots development, greater professionalism and a collective commitment from all stakeholders.
Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) general secretary Sunesh Syiem, MFA vice-president Cliff Nongrum, former Meghalaya striker Augustine Kharkongor, and former Meghalaya midfielder and Nongkseh FC former head coach Richard Nongneng shared their views on the ongoing World Cup, the evolution of modern football and the future of the sport in Meghalaya.
Despite offering different perspectives, all four agreed that the FIFA World Cup remains football’s biggest stage and continues to inspire generations of young players across the state.
For the quartet, football’s popularity in Meghalaya extends far beyond the pitch.
Syiem said the game has flourished because it remains affordable and accessible. Unlike many sports that require expensive equipment, football needs little more than a ball and an open space, allowing children from all backgrounds to take part.Nongrum described football as an integral part of Meghalaya’s social fabric.
Nongneng attributed the sport’s universal appeal to its simplicity, saying football can be understood and enjoyed by almost everyone, making it “the beautiful game” in every sense.Kharkongor noted that the excitement surrounding every World Cup reflects Meghalaya’s enduring love for football, though he believes the state’s passion has yet to translate into the level of success it deserves.
The four veterans also agreed that international football has become significantly more competitive.
Syiem observed that smaller nations are no longer overawed by traditional powerhouses, making every fixture increasingly unpredictable. Nongrum credited this shift to advances in coaching methods, sports science and player development, allowing talented footballers from emerging nations to compete at the highest level.
Kharkongor highlighted the rise of countries such as Cape Verde as evidence that developing football nations are closing the gap on established giants, while Nongneng pointed out that although several favourites have underperformed, the traditional football powers continue to demonstrate their quality.Among the leading contenders for the title, France emerged as the overwhelming favourite.
Syiem described France as the most complete team in the tournament, while Nongrum praised their squad depth, midfield balance and quick attacking transitions. He also identified Kylian Mbappé as the standout player of the competition because of his pace, movement and ability to influence crucial matches.Nongneng also backed France to go all the way, citing their attacking strength, while naming Morocco as the tournament’s surprise package capable of upsetting any top-ranked side.Kharkongor predicted Spain, France, Argentina and England would reach the semi-finals, saying each possesses the quality to become world champions.
Beyond Mbappé, the former footballers also lauded veterans Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane for continuing to perform on football’s biggest stage.Reflecting on how the sport has evolved, all four agreed that modern football is faster, more tactical and increasingly driven by science.Syiem recalled the physically demanding football of the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, saying players of that era displayed greater creativity and individual brilliance despite lacking today’s technological and scientific support.
Kharkongor echoed that view, arguing that earlier generations relied more on natural talent and developed their skills under far more challenging conditions.
Nongneng said previous generations showcased exceptional individual ability, whereas modern players benefit from better teamwork, tactical discipline, sports science and professional infrastructure.Nongrum added that player development today is far more structured, with fitness, nutrition and tactical preparation carefully planned to maximise performance.Technology, however, drew mixed opinions.Syiem welcomed the introduction of VAR and goal-line technology, saying they have improved fairness by correcting most major officiating errors. At the same time, he admitted technology has taken away some of football’s spontaneity, pointing to Diego Maradona’s famous “Hand of God” goal as an incident that would never stand today.Nongrum also supported VAR but said lengthy reviews can disrupt the emotional rhythm of a match. Kharkongor was more critical, arguing that delayed decisions often leave players deflated after celebrating goals that are later ruled out. He also questioned the consistency of VAR interventions.
Nongneng shared similar reservations, saying VAR has diminished the authority of referees and interrupted the natural flow of the game, although he remains a strong supporter of goal-line technology.The expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams also received broad support.Syiem, Nongrum and Kharkongor welcomed FIFA’s decision, saying the larger tournament offers more nations the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage while reflecting the sport’s growing global reach.
