Ahead of the game, Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC, shed light on how the club\u2019s move to Shillong came about and revealed some interesting anecdotes about the football fandom in Shillong. \u201cWhen we played the semifinal of the Durand Cup against Shillong Lajong here, it was an eye-opener for me even though I\u2019ve been involved in Indian football for over 25 years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe online tickets were sold out in 12 minutes and there were five km long queues for physical tickets. Fan parks in different districts were also jam-packed. We are a club representing eight states and we always wanted to bring football to parts of the Northeast. Seeing the response we got for the Durand Cup, reaffirmed our decision to come to Shillong this season itself,\u201d he quoted while speaking to the ISL.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOnce we were certain about bringing the ISL to Shillong this season, we worked closely with the Government of Meghalaya, who have always extended their support and shared our vision of making Shillong the football capital of India,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
NorthEast United FC forward Redeem Tlang, who hails from Shillong, has been one of the ISL\u2019s notable domestic talents. With over 100 ISL appearances and a key role in NorthEast United FC\u2019s historic Durand Cup victory in 2024, Tlang is thrilled about the league\u2019s arrival in his home city.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a very special moment for me personally and also for the people of Meghalaya to experience ISL matches in Shillong,\u201d said Tlang while speaking to the ISL. \u201cISL is the top league in the country and to have it come to your home is an incredible feeling. People all over Meghalaya love football. I urge them to support us, to give us that extra boost when we play here. We want them to cheer for us from start to finish.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Redeem Tlang\u2019s football journey began with Shillong Lajong FC in 2013, but his love for the sport was instilled in him at an early age by his family. Tlang remarked that for a long period, he played the game only for the joy of it. He describes football as being deeply ingrained in Shillong\u2019s culture, where people of all ages play the game in every corner of the city.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFootball is like a religion in Shillong. It\u2019s the first game that you play when you grow up here. You can go to any part of the city and see people of all ages engaged in the sport. I started by playing with my uncles on weekends, simply enjoying the game,\u201d Tlang recalled.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Beyond the excitement of hosting ISL matches, Tlang believes the league\u2019s presence in Shillong will have a lasting impact on young footballers. He emphasised how exposure to professional football at a young age can inspire future generations and elevate the sport\u2019s development in the region.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe ISL matches happening in Shillong are very important for the kids because they get to enjoy football from a very young age. It wasn\u2019t like this when I was growing up. The grassroots football scene here has been improving steadily and this will further help the sport\u2019s growth in the state and across the country.\u201d Tlang signed off.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Beyond the excitement of hosting ISL matches, Tlang believes the league\u2019s presence in Shillong will have a lasting impact on young footballers. He emphasised how exposure to professional football at a young age can inspire future generations and elevate the sport\u2019s development in the region.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Highest tax paying cricketers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n