Shillong, July 31, 2026: Bollywood actor and Northeast United FC owner John Abraham on Friday declared that Shillong is poised to become the new home of football in the Northeast, with the club establishing a Centre of Excellence aimed at nurturing young talent and eventually expanding into other sporting disciplines.
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| Bollywood actor and Northeast United FC owner John Abraham poses with local musicians during his visit to Shillong. (Image: Megahalaya Tourism) |
Speaking in Shillong, Abraham described the Northeast as the "hotbed of football" in India, claiming that nearly 70 per cent of players representing the country hail from the region. He said the club's long-term vision is to develop grassroots football through structured youth programmes while providing local players with world-class training facilities.
"We are the hotbed of football in this country, which is why I am here," Abraham said. "I had the option of owning a football team in a more comfortable city, but I chose the Northeast because I have always loved this region."
The actor said Northeast United FC is committed to bringing pride to the region through football. "When people call me an actor or producer, it doesn't matter to me. What matters is that I am one of you, and we have a football team together," he said.
Highlighting the club's achievements, Abraham noted that Northeast United FC has already won the Durand Cup twice and expressed confidence that the team can secure a third consecutive Durand Cup title and its maiden Indian Super League (ISL) championship.
He credited the club's management, including CEO Mandar Tamhane and key officials, for building a strong football development system. The club now operates a Baby League, Under-13, Under-15, Under-18, reserve, and senior teams, creating a clear pathway for aspiring footballers from the region.
Abraham also appealed for stronger support for Indian football, saying the sport has immense potential if backed by sustained investment and grassroots development.
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Beyond football, he announced plans to expand the proposed Centre of Excellence into other sports, making Shillong a major sporting destination in the Northeast.
Addressing the issue of drug abuse, Abraham stressed that efforts to build a drug-free India must go beyond targeting users. He said authorities should dismantle the political nexus and major networks behind the narcotics trade to effectively combat the menace.
Reflecting on his bond with the region, Abraham said every visit to Shillong fills him with "a sense of pride and belonging."
"Our players are shining examples of how people from this region can excel. Through football, we want to tell the rest of India that the Northeast is here, and it should never be ignored," he added.
