Shillong, Jan 25: Lumparing lifted the Shillong Sports Association (SSA) Women’s Football League 2025 title after defeating defending champions Laitkor 3–1 in the final at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, on Friday.
Pynhun Shulet delivered a sensational performance, scoring a hat-trick in the 18th, 25th and 60th minutes to hand Lumparing their maiden title in the competition. Tracy Rympei netted the lone goal for Laitkor in the 22nd minute, but it proved insufficient as the 2024 champions failed to retain their crown.
Despite the loss, Laitkor continued their remarkable consistency in the league, finishing runners-up for the third time, while this was Lumparing’s first-ever appearance in a Women’s Football League final.
The match began at a brisk pace, with Pynhun opening the scoring in the 18th minute by heading in a corner. Laitkor responded swiftly as Tracy levelled the score just four minutes later with a stunning long-range strike from the right.
Parity was short-lived, however, as Pynhun restored Lumparing’s lead by beating the goalkeeper from close range after dispossessing a Laitkor defender. Lumparing went into halftime with a 2–1 advantage.
In the second half, Pynhun was fouled inside the box and initially miscued the resulting penalty. She made amends two minutes later, though, calmly slotting home her third goal to complete a memorable hat-trick.
Laitkor pressed hard until the final whistle but found Lumparing goalkeeper Priyanka Latam in inspired form, making it difficult to mount a successful comeback.
At the final whistle, Lumparing celebrated a thoroughly deserved first Women’s League title after an impressive campaign. The champions received Rs 50,000 in prize money, while runners-up Laitkor took home Rs 25,000.
Several individual awards were presented during the closing ceremony. Pynhun Shulet was named Player of the Final, while her teammate Catherine Kharkongor won both Top Scorer and Player of the Tournament honours. Priyanka Latam was adjudged Best Goalkeeper, Badarisha Kharumnuid of Pay For Right (PFR) Best Defender, Bahunlang Synrem of Lumparing Best Midfielder, Phibanda Mary Nongrum of PFR Most Promising Player, and Rangdajied United received the Best Disciplined Team award.
Director of Social Welfare Camelia Doreen Lyngwa attended the occasion as chief guest, while Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai was the special guest. Meghalaya Football Association President Hamletson Dohling was also present, along with senior SSA officials led by President Banteidor Lyngdoh, MLA.
