Northeast India Unites to Boost Football: Key Meeting in Shillong
Representatives from eight northeastern states in India gathered in Shillong, Meghalaya, to discuss ways to advance football in the region. The meeting was held during the Durand Cup 2024 semi-final, where NorthEast United FC defeated Shillong Lajong FC 3-0, with Parthib Gogoi scoring a hat-trick.
Key Participants
Senior football officials, including Presidents and Secretaries from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, attended the meeting. AIFF Treasurer and Secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association, Kipa Ajay, emphasized the importance of cooperation and communication to grow football in the northeast.
Discussion Topics
The meeting covered various topics, including:
- Grassroots initiatives
- Development of women’s football
- Expansion of beach soccer and futsal
- Integration of football with local cultural events
Officials proposed organizing football tournaments during local festivals to boost participation and community engagement. The revival of the Dr. T. Ao Football Tournament was also discussed as a platform to showcase regional talent.
Future Goals
By leveraging these initiatives, the representatives aim to elevate the standard of football in the northeast, building on the region’s rich history and passion for the game.
Doubts Revealed
Northeast India -: Northeast India is a region in India that includes eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
Shillong -: Shillong is the capital city of the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and is often called the ‘Scotland of the East’.
Durand Cup -: The Durand Cup is one of the oldest football tournaments in India. It started in 1888 and is named after Mortimer Durand, a British diplomat.
NorthEast United FC -: NorthEast United FC is a football club that represents the northeastern region of India in the Indian Super League (ISL).
Shillong Lajong FC -: Shillong Lajong FC is a football club based in Shillong, Meghalaya. It is one of the well-known clubs in the region.
Grassroots initiatives -: Grassroots initiatives in football are programs aimed at encouraging young children to play and learn football from an early age.
Women’s football -: Women’s football refers to football played by women. It is becoming more popular and is supported by various programs to encourage female participation.
Beach soccer -: Beach soccer is a type of football played on a sandy surface, usually on a beach. It is a fun and fast-paced version of the game.
Futsal -: Futsal is a type of indoor football played on a smaller, hard court. It focuses on quick passes and skills.
Dr. T. Ao Football Tournament -: The Dr. T. Ao Football Tournament is a football competition named after Dr. Talimeren Ao, a famous footballer from Nagaland. It aims to showcase talent from the northeastern region.
