Nongpoh, May 15: The General Secretary of the Ri Bhoi District Sports Association, Bah Dipshon Ryntathiang, has expressed disappointment over the absence of a football team from Ri Bhoi District in the upcoming Meghalaya State League 2026 despite the district producing many talented and physically strong young footballers over the years.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the RBDSA 1st Division and 2nd Division football tournaments, Bah Ryntathiang said Ri Bhoi’s failure to participate in this year’s Meghalaya State League was due to the inability of Kynjoin Umran Sports Club, champions of the Ri Bhoi Super League, to arrange the necessary financial support and resources required for participation in the state-level tournament.

He stated that had the RBDSA been informed earlier about the club’s inability to participate because of financial difficulties, alternative arrangements could have been made by sending the runners-up team, Umdihar Sports Club, to represent the district in the tournament.

However, according to him, the lack of a clear and timely confirmation from Kynjoin Umran Sports Club ultimately deprived Ri Bhoi District of the opportunity to participate in the Meghalaya State League this year.

Expressing similar concern, Bah Bipul Thangkhiew, President of the RBYF and guest of honour at the programme, said it was unfortunate that Ri Bhoi District would not be represented in one of the state’s premier football tournaments.

He said that after looking into the matter, it was found that financial constraints faced by Kynjoin Umran Sports Club were the primary reason behind the club’s inability to take part in the competition.

The issue has highlighted one of the major challenges faced by many football clubs in the state, where lack of adequate funding and financial support often prevents talented teams from competing in bigger tournaments and achieving greater success.