Shillong, January 13: Meghalaya footballer Sanfida Nongrum has created history after being named in the Indian senior women’s national football squad, becoming the first player from Meghalaya to earn a call-up to the senior team.
The midfielder, popularly known as Polly, is part of the 29-member squad that has assembled in Gurugram for a national training camp ahead of three international friendly matches in Türkiye. The camp is a key component of India’s preparations for major upcoming tournaments, including the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
A consistent performer in domestic football, Sanfida currently plays for Garhwal United and has previously represented clubs such as Bangalore United, Sports Odisha, Sirvodem SC, and Misaka United. By virtue of her registration with Garhwal United, she has also represented Delhi in the Senior Women’s National Football Championship.
In Meghalaya, Sanfida played a pivotal role in guiding Laitkor to victory in the Women’s Football League 2024. She further enhanced her reputation last year by emerging as Top Scorer and Player of the Tournament at the Karnataka Women’s League 2025–26 while representing Misaka United.
Sanfida has been on the radar of the All India Football Federation for several years, having attended trials for the U-17 national team in 2020. Her steady rise through the ranks has now culminated in a senior national team selection.
The India women’s national football team, popularly known as the Blue Tigresses, began their training camp in Haryana and will depart for Antalya, Türkiye, on January 15. The team will play three closed-door friendly matches as part of their preparations for the continental tournament.
India will face FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv (Ukraine) on January 18, followed by FC Zürich Frauen (Switzerland) on January 21, and FC Schlieren (Switzerland) on January 24, with all matches scheduled to be played in and around Antalya.
Sanfida’s selection has been hailed as a landmark moment for Meghalaya football, inspiring young players from the State to aspire for national representation at the highest level.
India squad:
Goalkeepers – Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, Sowmiya Narayanasamy, Shreya Hooda, Adrija Sarkhel
Defenders – Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Shilky Devi Hemam, Juli Kishan, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Sanju, Malati Munda, Astam Oraon, Sarita Yumnam, Sushmita Lepcha, Martina Thokchom
Midfielders – Sangita Basfore, Babina Devi Lisham, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Anju Tamang, Karthika Angamuthu, Jasoda Munda, Sanfida Nongrum
Forwards – Grace Dangmei, Soumya Guguloth, Karishma Shirvoikar, Rimpa Haldar, Malavika P, Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto, Kaviya Pakkirisamy
Fixtures:
18th January, India vs FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv, Emirhan Sport Centre, 5:30PM IST
21st January, India vs FC Zürich Frauen, Emirhan Sport Centre, 5:30PM IST
24th January, India vs FC Schlieren, Evrenseki/Ilıca Stadium, 5:30PM IST
