Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The Meghalaya Football Association honored footballers Sanfida Nongrum and Ribansi Jamu on June 12 for their contributions to India’s SAFF Women's Championship title. The national team secured the regional crown on June 6 in Goa, marking their first such victory in seven years after defeating Bangladesh in the final.
Midfielder Sanfida Nongrum delivered a standout performance, scoring in both the semi-final and final rounds. Her efforts earned her the Most Valuable Player award shortly after her senior national team debut earlier this year. Goalkeeper Ribansi Jamu also marked her senior international debut during the tournament, featuring in the opening match against the Maldives.
During a ceremony at the MFA Ground, the association presented both players with cash awards, mementoes, and shawls. Under a policy introduced last year, the state body also recognizes senior national players with a cash incentive of Rs 50,000. MFA president Hamletson Dohling praised the duo for proving that Meghalaya athletes can compete at the highest national levels.
Sanfida Nongrum offered advice to the next generation of athletes regarding the path to excellence. "Success required hard work, self-belief and constant motivation," she said during the event. Ribansi Jamu noted that winning a championship in her first senior tournament was a special experience.
The achievement serves as a significant milestone for the state, as the pair are the first women from Meghalaya to represent India at the senior level. The association hopes their success will encourage more girls in the region to pursue professional football.
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