Shillong, October 21: International women’s football made a vibrant comeback to Shillong after nearly a decade, as IR Iran defeated India 2–0 in the opening match of the Women’s Tri-Nation Tournament at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday.
The highly anticipated fixture drew a packed crowd, reaffirming Shillong’s reputation as one of India’s most passionate football hubs. Shri Prestone Tynsong, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, and Shri Hamletson Dohling, President of the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA), greeted the players ahead of kickoff, setting the tone for an electrifying evening under the lights.
Iran started strongly, maintaining possession and pressing the Indian defence early on. Despite a few half-chances for the hosts through Pyari Xaxa and Lynda Kom, the visitors’ backline remained disciplined. The deadlock was broken in the 63rd minute, when Iran’s Sara Didar produced a moment of brilliance with an overhead kick to put her side ahead. She doubled the lead ten minutes later, sealing a confident win for the visitors in the tournament opener.
Indian midfielder Sangita Basfore praised Shillong’s football-loving atmosphere after the match, saying,
“I’ve played in Shillong before, and the support here is always overwhelming. The fans turn up in huge numbers for every match, and that means a lot for women’s football.”
The match marked another milestone in Meghalaya’s growing prominence as a sporting destination. With upgraded facilities at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and continuous improvements to sports infrastructure, Shillong has become a preferred host for national and international fixtures. Earlier this year, the city also hosted the Indian men’s team for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
The event was jointly organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Meghalaya Football Association, with support from the Government of Meghalaya through the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs. The State’s sustained efforts to promote sports are seen as key preparation for hosting the National Games 2027.
Adding to the evening’s significance, Meghalaya’s own women footballers Bonifilia Shullai and Alisha Lyngdoh were felicitated for their contributions to the sport. The ceremony was attended by Shri Prestone Tynsong, Shri Richard Yanthan, IAS, Shri D.D. Shira, MCS, Shri Hamletson Dohling, and Shri Sunesh Syiem.
With the Tri-Nation Tournament underway, Shillong once again stands as a beacon of India’s football passion—celebrating the return of international women’s football to the hills and inspiring a new generation of young athletes across Meghalaya.
