ISL Debuts in Shillong : Meghalaya Government Backs NorthEast United FC’s Ambition to Establish Shillong as Football Capital, Says CEO Mandar Tamhane

Shillong, Feb 4 (NationPress) The Indian Super League (ISL) is poised to make its debut in Meghalaya as NorthEast United FC faces off against former champions Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on February 7. The Highlanders will also welcome Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC to the stadium on February 21 and March 8, respectively, as fans anticipate seeing Indian football’s finest talents, including Sunil Chhetri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Naorem Mahesh Singh in action.

In the lead-up to the match, Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC, shared insights on how the club's relocation to Shillong occurred and recounted some fascinating stories about football enthusiasm in Shillong. “When we faced Shillong Lajong in the Durand Cup semifinals here, it was a revelation for me, despite my 25 years in Indian football,” he said.

“The online tickets sold out in just 12 minutes, leading to five-kilometer-long lines for physical tickets. Fan parks across various districts were also overflowing. Our club represents eight states, and we’ve always aimed to bring football to different parts of the Northeast. The overwhelming response during the Durand Cup confirmed our choice to bring the ISL to Shillong this season,” he remarked while addressing the ISL.

“Once we were certain about introducing the ISL to Shillong this season, we collaborated closely with the Government of Meghalaya, who have consistently supported us and shared our vision of turning Shillong into the football capital of India,” he added.

Redeem Tlang, a forward for NorthEast United FC and a native of Shillong, has emerged as a prominent domestic talent in the ISL. With over 100 ISL appearances and playing a crucial role in NorthEast United FC’s memorable Durand Cup triumph in 2024, Tlang is eager for the league’s arrival in his hometown.

“This is a momentous occasion for me personally and for the people of Meghalaya to witness ISL matches in Shillong,” Tlang stated while discussing the ISL. “The ISL is the premier league in the country, and having it in your home city is an extraordinary experience. Football is beloved throughout Meghalaya. I encourage everyone to support us and provide that extra motivation during our games here. We want enthusiastic cheers from start to finish.”

Tlang’s football career began with Shillong Lajong FC in 2013, but his passion for the sport was nurtured from a young age by his family. He noted that he played for fun for many years. He considers football an integral part of Shillong’s culture, where individuals of all ages engage in the sport throughout the city.

“Football is akin to a religion in Shillong. It’s the initial sport you engage with as a child here. You can visit any area of the city and find people of all ages playing. I started playing with my uncles on weekends, simply enjoying the game,” Tlang reminisced.

Beyond the thrill of hosting ISL matches, Tlang believes the league’s presence in Shillong will create a lasting influence on young footballers. He emphasized how exposure to professional football at an early age can inspire future generations and enhance the sport’s development in the region.

“The ISL matches taking place in Shillong are crucial for young children because they will get to enjoy football from an early age. This was not the case during my childhood. The grassroots football scene here has been steadily improving, and this will further bolster the sport’s growth in the state and nationwide,” Tlang concluded.

As the countdown to the ISL’s Shillong debut begins, the excitement among local fans is palpable. With the arrival of India’s top football league, Meghalaya is ready to showcase its rich footballing heritage on a national platform, further solidifying its reputation as a hub of talent and passion for the sport.