ISL 2024-25: Shillong cleared to host NorthEast United FC matches

The Highlanders are set to have a new home in the latter part of the season.

In a positive development for the football lovers in Meghalaya, the city of Shillong has been finalised to host Indian Super League matches of NorthEast United FC from the 2024-25 season. In a landmark decision, the capital city of the State will host the matches of the premier league competition of the country. 

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong is likely to host NorthEast United’s matches which fall towards the end of the season. Speaking in this context, NEUFC CEO Mandar Tamhane said, “The ISL is very very cooperative with having the matches here (Shillong) and I think before the end of this season maybe in the month of February-March, NorthEast United could be playing two-three home matches here at the JN Stadium.”

For the time being, NorthEast United will play its ISL 2024-25 home matches at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Assam before it shifts to Shillong in Meghalaya. Meanwhile, the stadium in Shillong is set to receive renovations based on the recommendations made by the Highlanders to the State government for hosting the ISL matches smoothly.

Promising development

NorthEast United FC is not simply a football club but a collective unit that represents the passion and dedication of football fans residing in the North-Eastern part of India. Shillong has a huge football culture and hosting Indian Super League matches is a welcome move for the supporters residing there.

“For NorthEast United FC is not just to play football in other parts of North East but to make a meaningful contribution to the football ecosystem be it from the grassroots and residential academies. These structural changes which normally take time need to be addressed and once they are being taken care then we are good to host with the Indian Super League here,” Tamhane further said.

Parthib Gogoi is excited for the fans in Shillong to witness ISL matches live due to the large support base in the city. “The crowd are more here than in Guwahati, it gives us the confidence and the desire to win,” he said. Redeem Tlang also shared his thoughts on the matter and indicated that he cannot wait to play at home in front of the crowd in Shillong.

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