Shillong, June 12: Fresh from helping India reclaim the SAFF Women’s Championship title after seven years, Meghalaya footballers Sanfida Nongrum and Ribansi Jamu received a warm welcome from the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) during a felicitation programme held at the MFA Ground on Friday.
The duo returned home after playing a key role in India’s triumphant campaign, which culminated in a victory over Bangladesh in the final on June 6 in Goa. It marked the Blue Tigresses’ first SAFF Women’s Championship title since 2019.
Sanfida, who made her senior India debut against Australia at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in March and scored just seven minutes into the match, enjoyed a sensational run at the SAFF Championship. The midfielder scored in both the semifinal and final and was named the ‘Most Valuable Player’ of the competition. Ribansi, a goalkeeper, also made her senior national team debut during the championship and featured in India’s opening match against the Maldives.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by senior MFA officials led by president Hamletson Dohling. Also present were vice-president Cliff Nongrum, treasurer Prosper Warjri, executive member Freddy Kharpran, Women’s Committee chairperson Dipshon Ryntathiang and members of the senior Meghalaya women’s football team, who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the two players.
As part of an initiative introduced by the MFA last year, footballers from Meghalaya who represent India at the senior international level are entitled to a cash incentive of Rs. 50,000. Sanfida and Ribansi, the first two women from the state to earn senior India caps, will receive the incentive at a formal function at a later date. On Friday, the association honoured them with shawls, mementoes and a cash award in recognition of their SAFF triumph.
Congratulating the players, Dohling praised their commitment and perseverance, saying their success had shown that Meghalaya could compete with the best footballing states in the country. He added that the association hoped to see them achieve even greater milestones in the future.
Addressing the young footballers present at the event, Sanfida urged aspiring players to remain dedicated and patient. “Work hard, be patient and focus on your goals. You have to challenge yourself and stay motivated,” she said.
Ribansi reflected on her rapid rise from the Indian U-20 setup to the senior national team, admitting that the journey had come with its share of challenges. “It was wonderful to win in my first tournament with the senior team,” she said.
Both are expected to spend some time at home before returning to club and international commitments. Also in attendance were Meghalaya’s youth internationals Fragrancy Riwan and Alisha Lyngdoh, both of whom have represented India at the U-20 and U-17 levels.
With more players from the state making their mark on the national stage, the achievements of Sanfida and Ribansi are expected to inspire the next generation of young footballers.
