The Indian Super League (ISL) has given the green light for Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong to host NorthEast United FC’s home matches, following necessary surveys. This exciting development was shared by NorthEast United FC CEO, Mandar Tamhane, during a press briefing on Thursday.
Tamhane stressed the club’s commitment to contributing to the football ecosystem in the Northeast, not just by playing matches but through grassroots initiatives and residential academies. He praised the football craze in Shillong, comparing the passion of the fans to the love typically seen for cricket in India. He specifically highlighted the support during the recently concluded Durand Cup, where fan-parks set up across Shillong added to the excitement.
“Shillong could be the next capital of Indian football,” Tamhane remarked, a statement that resonates with football enthusiasts across Meghalaya. He stressed the importance of playing home matches in Shillong, noting the vital support from the local crowd, which helps boost team morale.
Tamhane also revealed that during a semifinal match between Shillong Lajong and NorthEast United FC, ISL officials conducted a survey of the JN Stadium’s facilities. While the stadium was deemed “almost” ready, the ISL team has made a few minor recommendations to the state government to ensure the venue meets all technical requirements for broadcasting and hosting ISL matches.
The CEO hinted that NorthEast United could play two or three home matches at JN Stadium before the end of this season, possibly between February and March, pending minor upgrades. These include structural changes to accommodate camera height for live broadcasts, which are streamed in over 130 countries.
