Shillong, Feb 4 (PTI) – The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to mark a historic milestone as Shillong prepares to host its first-ever match in the tournament. NorthEast United FC will take on Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday, marking the city's long-awaited entry into the country's premier football league.
Football fans in Meghalaya have been eagerly anticipating this moment, and their excitement is set to extend further, with NorthEast United also scheduled to play Bengaluru FC and East Bengal at the same venue on February 21 and March 8, respectively. The matches promise to bring some of Indian football’s biggest names to Shillong, including Sunil Chhetri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Naorem Mahesh Singh.
"When we played the semi-final of the Durand Cup against Shillong Lajong here, it was an eye-opener for me, even though I've been involved in Indian football for over 25 years," Tamhane stated. "The online tickets sold out in 12 minutes, and physical ticket queues stretched for 5 km. Fan parks across different districts were packed. This overwhelming response confirmed that Shillong was ready for ISL."
He also acknowledged the vital support from the Meghalaya government in facilitating the move, ensuring a smooth transition for NorthEast United’s ‘home’ games to Shillong.
"It's a very special moment for me personally and for the people of Meghalaya to experience ISL matches here," Tlang said. "Football is like a religion in Shillong. It’s the first game you play when you grow up here."
Having begun his football journey with Shillong Lajong, Tlang is eager to perform in front of his home crowd and inspire the next generation of footballers in Meghalaya.
As Shillong readies itself for its ISL debut, the passion for football in the city is palpable. With fans eagerly awaiting the clash against Mumbai City FC, the match is expected to be a landmark event, showcasing Shillong’s enthusiasm for the sport and further cementing the Northeast’s deep-rooted love for football.
Football fans in Meghalaya have been eagerly anticipating this moment, and their excitement is set to extend further, with NorthEast United also scheduled to play Bengaluru FC and East Bengal at the same venue on February 21 and March 8, respectively. The matches promise to bring some of Indian football’s biggest names to Shillong, including Sunil Chhetri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Naorem Mahesh Singh.
Durand Cup Frenzy Inspires Move to Shillong
NorthEast United FC’s CEO, Mandar Tamhane, shared insights into the club’s decision to bring ISL matches to Shillong. Reflecting on the overwhelming response during the team's Durand Cup semi-final clash against Shillong Lajong, Tamhane called it a defining moment."When we played the semi-final of the Durand Cup against Shillong Lajong here, it was an eye-opener for me, even though I've been involved in Indian football for over 25 years," Tamhane stated. "The online tickets sold out in 12 minutes, and physical ticket queues stretched for 5 km. Fan parks across different districts were packed. This overwhelming response confirmed that Shillong was ready for ISL."
He also acknowledged the vital support from the Meghalaya government in facilitating the move, ensuring a smooth transition for NorthEast United’s ‘home’ games to Shillong.
A Homecoming for Redeem Tlang
Among the most excited for ISL’s Shillong debut is local football star Redeem Tlang, a key player for NorthEast United. Tlang, a Shillong native with over 100 ISL appearances and a crucial part of NorthEast United’s historic Durand Cup victory in 2024, expressed his joy at bringing top-tier football to his home city."It's a very special moment for me personally and for the people of Meghalaya to experience ISL matches here," Tlang said. "Football is like a religion in Shillong. It’s the first game you play when you grow up here."
Having begun his football journey with Shillong Lajong, Tlang is eager to perform in front of his home crowd and inspire the next generation of footballers in Meghalaya.
As Shillong readies itself for its ISL debut, the passion for football in the city is palpable. With fans eagerly awaiting the clash against Mumbai City FC, the match is expected to be a landmark event, showcasing Shillong’s enthusiasm for the sport and further cementing the Northeast’s deep-rooted love for football.