Shillong, Oct 26: The trophy for the SSA Champions Cup 2026 was unveiled on Monday, just over a week before the tournament kicks off, with all 10 participating clubs receiving Rs. 50,000 each to support their preparations for the competition.
The unveiling was led by Shillong Sports Association (SSA) president and MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh in the presence of senior association members, players and officials from the participating teams. The second edition of the tournament follows the success of its inaugural edition in 2025.
The Champions Cup brings together the champions and runners-up from all five divisions of the SSA men’s football league system. The 10 teams will compete in a league-cum-knockout format, with the tournament beginning on November 3 and the final scheduled for early December.
To give clubs from the lower divisions a more competitive footing, teams from the Second, Third and Fourth Divisions will be permitted to sign up to five players from other local clubs on loan. In contrast, Shillong Premier League and First Division teams must rely on players already registered with the SSA.
The participating teams are Mawlai and Shillong Lajong from the Shillong Premier League; Mawkhar and Nongkrem from the First Division; Mawpat and Sohryngkham from the Second Division; Sanmer and Lamlynti from the Third Division; and Mawpdang and Sei La Sap FCC from the Fourth Division.
Defending champions Nongkseh will not feature in this year’s competition after finishing third in the Shillong Premier League. Their absence guarantees a new champion in 2026.
Shillong Lajong are the only team returning for a second consecutive Champions Cup appearance. They finished runners-up in the Shillong Premier League in both 2025 and 2026 and were also runners-up in the inaugural Champions Cup. Nongkseh claimed the title last year after a thrilling 2-1 victory in extra time in front of a packed SSA Stadium.
Addressing the gathering before the trophy unveiling, Lyngdoh congratulated the participating clubs on qualifying for the competition and said the SSA hoped to work closely with them to make this year’s edition an even greater success.
He also highlighted the association’s broader ambition of helping more local footballers progress to bigger clubs across the country and earn opportunities to represent the national team.
The 10 teams have been divided into two groups. Group A comprises Mawlai, Nongkrem, Mawpat, Lamlynti and Mawpdang, while Group B features Shillong Lajong, Mawkhar, Sohryngkham, Sanmer and Sei La Sap FCC. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.
The tournament will kick off on November 3, with Shillong Premier League champions Mawlai taking on Third Division runners-up Lamlynti at the SSA Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:30pm.
