Shillong: When Shillong hosted its first-ever international match last Wednesday, less than 7,000 fans in this football-crazy region turned up at the JN Stadium to watch India clinch their first international win in 12 games, and the first since November 2023.
The first taste of international football in Meghalaya was in stark contrast with the three Indian Super League matches played here, each of which garnered over twice the footfall for the FIFA friendly.
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Interestingly, the largest crowd was for NorthEast United FC’s match against Bengaluru FC — with fans filling up the venue to see Sunil Chhetri in action. But the veteran’s comeback in India colours inspired very few live-viewing enthusiasts.
Even Shillong Lajong owner Larsing Ming, who has long been associated with Meghalaya and Indian football, couldn’t fathom the contrast, reluctantly attributing it to a probable “lack of awareness” for the fixture.
However, locals are optimistic, and the picture is expected to be very different for India’s AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh on Tuesday with officials confirming that ticket sales have been quite high and are expecting the match tickets to be sold out by Monday.
Arki Nongrum, the founder of sports management firm ISMG, told TOI on Sunday that his firm is working with the Meghalaya govt to facilitate the fixtures. “A lot of people are just eager to watch a Premier League player in action, like Hamza Choudhury,” he said of the local enthusiasts, who are huge followers of English football and would be there to see the Sheffield United player, on loan from former EPL champions, Leicester City, play live.