Shillong is set to host two international football matches at the renowned Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in March.
This is a huge development for the capital city of Meghalaya, which has long been passionate about football but has never witnessed international-level matches on its home turf, Northeast news reports.
The two matches that will be played at the stadium in Shillong are a game between India and the Maldives on either March 19 or 20, and the AFC Asian Cup qualifying match between India and Bangladesh on March 25.
Hamletson Dohling, president of the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA), confirmed to Northeast News that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had formally proposed the idea for both matches.
Officials from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are scheduled to visit Shillong on January 20 to inspect the stadium and ascertain whether it meets international standards. If the AFC gives its approval, Shillong will be officially confirmed as the venue for both fixtures.
This marks a major step forward for the region, especially since international matches have often bypassed Northeast India in the past.
- Log in to post comments