Shillong, June 12: Fresh from India’s historic triumph at the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026, Meghalaya’s football stars Sanfida Nongrum and Ribansi Jamu were felicitated by the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) at the MFA Ground in Shillong on Thursday.
India clinched the title after defeating Bangladesh in the final held on 6 June in Goa, marking the national team’s first SAFF crown in seven years.
Sanfida, who made her senior India debut earlier this year, emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament, scoring crucial goals in both the semifinal and final. Her exceptional display earned her the Most Valuable Player award, further cementing her rising status in Indian women’s football.
Ribansi, a goalkeeper, also marked a significant milestone by making her senior team debut during the tournament. She featured in India’s opening match against the Maldives, contributing to the squad’s successful campaign.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by senior MFA officials, including President Hamletson Dohling, Vice-President Cliff Nongrum, Treasurer Prosper Warjri, Executive Member Freddy Kharpran, and Women’s Committee Chairperson Dipshon Ryntathiang, along with members of the state women’s team.
Under an MFA initiative introduced last year, players representing India at the senior level are entitled to a cash incentive of ₹50,000 each. The award will be formally presented to Sanfida and Ribansi at a later occasion, while they were also honoured on Thursday with cash awards, shawls, and mementos for their SAFF triumph.
Speaking at the event, Dohling praised the duo’s dedication, saying their achievement reflects that “Meghalaya is on par with other states” in producing top-level talent and urged them to continue striving for higher goals.
Sanfida, who had earlier scored on her senior debut at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia, encouraged young players to remain focused and disciplined, emphasizing hard work, patience, and self-motivation.
Ribansi, who progressed from the India U-20 setup to the senior team, described the experience as challenging but rewarding, adding that winning her first senior international tournament was a memorable achievement.
The event also saw the presence of other young Meghalaya footballers, including Fragrancy Riwan and Alisha Lyngdoh, highlighting the growing pipeline of women football talent in the state.
Officials noted that women’s football in Meghalaya is on a steady rise, with Sanfida and Ribansi now emerging as role models inspiring the next generation of players.
