Shillong, Aug 31: Meghalaya football enjoyed a memorable night at the Football Players’ Association of India (FPAI) Awards on Saturday, with Sanfida Nongrum and Phrangki Buam claiming major individual honours.
Nongrum became the first woman from Meghalaya to win the Women’s Young Player of the Year award, marking a significant milestone for women’s football in the state. She received the honour from Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri.
The award caps a remarkable year for the young forward, who made her international debut in 2026. Nongrum scored just seven minutes into her first appearance for India at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia in March.
She went on to play a key role in India’s successful SAFF Women’s Championship campaign, being named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player as India lifted the title.
Nongrum’s rise has made her one of the most exciting young prospects in Indian women’s football and her latest recognition further underlines her rapid progress at both the domestic and international levels.
Adding to Meghalaya’s success, Shillong Lajong FC midfielder Phrangki Buam was named the FPAI I-League Player of the Year.
Buam enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the Indian Football League (IFL), finishing as the highest-scoring Indian player with eight goals. His performances were instrumental in Shillong Lajong’s run to a second-place finish.
The award adds another major individual recognition to a season in which Buam established himself among the league’s leading performers.
The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) congratulated both players on their achievements, describing the awards as a proud moment for the state’s football fraternity.
The MFA also wished both players success in the new season and expressed confidence that they would continue to inspire footballers across Meghalaya.
