Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma felicitated footballer Sanfida Nongrum as the state’s Achiever of the Month in Sports, recognising her outstanding contribution to Indian women’s football.
Nongrum has emerged as one of the prominent young players from Meghalaya to make her mark on the national stage. Her performances for Team India were particularly notable during the 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship, where she played a decisive role in India’s title-winning campaign.
India defeated Bangladesh 3–1 in the final in Goa on June 6, 2026, ending a seven-year wait for the SAFF Women’s Championship title. Nongrum scored in both the semi-final against Bhutan and the final against Bangladesh and was subsequently named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
Sangma, in his social media post, praised Nongrum for her talent, determination and leadership, saying her achievements have brought pride to both Meghalaya and the country. He expressed confidence that the young footballer would continue to reach greater heights in her career.
Nongrum’s rise has been particularly significant for Meghalaya’s women’s football movement. She made her senior India debut earlier in 2026 and scored on her debut against Vietnam at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has also highlighted her journey from grassroots football in Shillong to the international stage.
Her success has continued to earn recognition beyond the SAFF Championship. In August 2026, Nongrum was named Women’s Young Player of the Year at the Football Players Association of India (FPAI) annual awards.
The Meghalaya Chief Minister’s latest felicitation adds another honour to a breakthrough year for Nongrum, whose performances have established her as an important emerging name in Indian women’s football.
