Meghalaya congratulates Sanfida Nongrum and Ribansi Jamu for winning the SAFF Championships

The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) on Friday congratulated state footballers Sanfida Nongrum and Ribansi Jamu for playing a key role in India’s triumphant campaign at the 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship, and termed them as pioneers for women’s football in the state.

The two, who returned to the state after helping India beat Bangladesh in the final in Goa on June 6 to regain the SAFF title after a seven-year gap, were honored at a function at the MFA Football Ground in Polo.

Sanfida emerged as one of the stars of the tournament, scoring in both the semi-finals and finals and earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, while goalkeeper Ribansi made her senior international debut during the championship against the Maldives.

MFA President Hamletson Dohling and other office bearers lauded the two players for bringing laurels to Meghalaya and India, saying their achievements reflected the growing status of women’s football in the state and would inspire more young girls to take up the sport.

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Under an incentive scheme introduced last year, the association announced that both players would receive a cash reward of Rs 50,000 each at a special ceremony to be held later.

During the congratulations on Friday, they received scarves, souvenirs and symbolic gifts of money.

Speaking on the occasion, Dohling said that through hard work and dedication, Sanfida and Ribansi had made it to the national team and proved that Meghalaya could compete with the best football states in the country.

Sanfida urged women footballers to remain focused, patient and committed to their goals, while Ribansi described her transition from India Under-20 to the senior team as challenging but rewarding.

Both players said they would now focus on representing Meghalaya before returning for national team duties or club commitments.

Published on June 12, 2026