Shillong (Meghalaya), May 4: Meghalaya have named an 18-member squad under experienced youth coach Jeffrey Warlarpih for the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s National Football Championship 2026, set to be held in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.
Drawn in the five-team Group A, Meghalaya will face Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jharkhand. The state side opens its campaign against Bihar on May 9, followed by Jharkhand on May 11, Andhra Pradesh on May 13 and Rajasthan on May 17.
The team will look to build on recent progress after reaching the semifinals last year and exiting in the group stage in 2024. The Meghalaya Football Association gave the squad a send-off on Sunday, with General Secretary Sunesh Syiem, Vice-President Cliff Nongrum and senior members Dipshon L Nongbri and Freddy Kharpran addressing the players.
The squad includes goalkeepers Jovialstar L Lyngkhoi and Kangkam G Momin, defenders Bipiush G Marak, Damitre Kynjing, Imeral Jana, Pynshailang L Nonglait, Shemkupar Massar and Defender Sylliang, midfielders Phermanbha Lyngdoh, Sholinstar Syngkli, Gerald Ebenezer Kharbyngar, Menangpyndap Khongjee and Dawansalanmi Malang, and forwards Mebanlamlynti Masharing, Alex Manar, Ryan Gibbs Kharnaior, Samborlang Langte and Banganson Nongphlang. Khrawbok Syngkli is assistant coach, Amit Rai the manager and Banisha Lapasam the physio.
