Shillong, Aug 28: Meghalaya’s junior boys’ football team left Shillong for Bengaluru on Thursday to begin their campaign in the Junior Boys National Football Championship 2026-27 (Tier 1) for the Dr BC Roy Trophy.
Meghalaya have been placed in Group C alongside Tamil Nadu, Mizoram and Maharashtra, with the group winners advancing to the semifinals.
The state side will open their campaign against Tamil Nadu on September 1 at 11am, before taking on Maharashtra on September 3 and Mizoram on September 5.
The 20-member squad will be coached by experienced Playerson Jitem Syiemlieh, who will be assisted by Snenglang Wankhar. Amit Rai is the team manager, while Levon Lyngdoh will serve as physiotherapist.
A send-off programme was held at the MFA Ground in Shillong on Wednesday, with Meghalaya Football Association president Hamletson Dohling, vice-president Cliff Nongrum and Youth Development Cell chairman Freddy Kharpran present. Family members of the players also attended to wish the team well.
Addressing the players, Dohling stressed the importance of maintaining discipline both on and off the field. He described the tournament as a valuable opportunity for the young footballers to perform on the national stage and take an important step forward in their development.
Meghalaya squad:
Franky Kharkrang, Mangpaka Nongkynrih, Aiborlang Mulieh, Sannaky Nongsiej, Kishan Wahlang, Shanborlang Khonjee, Samuel Malieh, Seibok Lyngdoh, Damankynsai Marbaniang, Albin Kharbani, Malenga N Sangma, Skhemlang Myrthong, ME Matlai, Adriel Nongbet, Pyrkhat Marbaniang, Wallambok Thongni, Aibannangkhraw Kharumnuid, Andrew Kharsati, Habankhlur Lyngdoh Mawnai and Haban Kara Blah.
Support staff:
Playerson Jitem Syiemlieh (head coach), Snenglang Wankhar (assistant coach), Amit Rai (manager) and Levon Lyngdoh (physio).
Meghalaya fixtures:
September 1, 11am — vs Tamil Nadu
September 3, 11am — vs Maharashtra
September 5, 8:30am — vs Mizoram
