By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 19: Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and South Shillong MLA, Sanbor Shullai, on Sunday felicitated two young women footballers from the state — Bonifilia Shullai and Alisha Lyngdoh — for their selection to the Indian U-17 women’s football team.
The felicitation ceremony was held at Orchid Lake Resort, Umiam, where the two players were honoured with a cash award of ₹50,000 each along with gifts in recognition of their outstanding achievement. Bonifilia hails from Umsohsun, Shillong, while Alisha comes from Dienshynrum village, Khliehriat.
Speaking at the event, Bonifilia shared that they were invited to attend the U-17 Championship trials in Bengaluru a month ago, where they represented Assam and went on to win the competition against teams from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. “After that, we couldn’t return home as we had to continue training with the Indian team for the AFC Qualifiers in Uzbekistan,” she said.
“In Uzbekistan, we played against the host nation and Pakistan, winning both matches 2-1. Our team topped the group and qualified for the AFC U-17 Championship, which will be held in China in May 2026,” she added.
Bonifilia mentioned that the players would have only a short break at home before rejoining training for the Indian Women’s League (IWL), where they will represent Indian Arrows and continue preparations for upcoming international commitments.Expressing her excitement, she said, “It’s a dream come true to wear the national colours and bring glory to Meghalaya. I hope more youngsters from our state will be inspired to work hard and reach this level. We’re proud to be part of the team that has qualified for the U-17 Championship for the first time.”
MFA to Honour Bonifilia and Alisha at India-Iran Match
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) has announced that it will felicitate Bonifilia Shullai and Alisha Lyngdoh during the halftime break of the India vs Iran match in the ongoing Women’s Tri-Nations Tournament on Tuesday at the JN Stadium, Polo Grounds.
Both players were part of the historic Indian squad that recently secured qualification for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026, marking India’s return to the continental event after nearly two decades — their last appearance being in 2005.Currently on a short break in Meghalaya, Alisha and Bonifilia will soon rejoin national duty as they gear up for the Indian Women’s League and upcoming international fixtures.
