‘One of the Best in the Country’: India Assistant Coach Applauds Shillong’s JN Stadium

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 18, 2025

Intensive behind-the-scenes preparations are being undertaken by the Government of Meghalaya and Meghalaya Football Association as Shillong gears up to host two international football matches featuring the Indian senior men’s team in March. 

Today saw the visit of the Indian team’s Assistant Coach, Mahesh Gawali, to the city where he inspected the JN Stadium and practice ground at North-Eastern Hill University. The All India Football Federation confirmed earlier this month that the JN Stadium will host two India international matches next month – a FIFA friendly against Maldives on 19 March and an AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Bangladesh on 25 March.

Gawali lavished praise on the renovated JN Stadium, calling it “one of the best football grounds” in the entire country as he examined the lush green pitch, stands and changing rooms. Work is still going on to improve the practice ground and Gawali and the MFA, represented by its Vice-President Cliff Nongrum, discussed the possibility of installing portable changing rooms, etc.

Gawali opined that a practice ground with permanent facilities would really make Shillong the complete package for football of international standard. 

India have been drawn in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers final round, alongside Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangladesh. The teams will play each other twice in a home-and-away round-robin format until March 2026. The group winners will make it to the Asian Cup tournament proper.