• Source: Shillong Lajong FC

Shillong Lajong Football Club (founded as Lajong SC) is an Indian professional football club based in Shillong, Meghalaya. The club is currently competing in the I-League, the second tier of the Indian football league system, following promotion from the 2022–23 I-League 2. Shillong Lajong also takes part in regional competitions.
Shillong Lajong was incorporated in 1983, with the prime objective of improving the declining standard of football in the state, and to spot, train and nurture local talent. In the local Khasi language, Lajong translates to "our own". Nicknamed "the Red Dragons", Shillong Lajong briefly participated in I-League until their relegation in 2017, then top flight Indian football. They also appeared in the Indian Super Cup in 2018 and reached semi-finals. They were nominated for 2022–23 I-League 2 qualifiers. Headquartered in Shillong, Lajong has access to the largest student population in the North-East and hence the footballing talent right from a young age. The club is four-time champion of the Shillong Premier League.
Shillong Lajong was the first club from the North East region of India to rise to prominence in the country. Before the 2012–13 I-League season began, it was officially announced that Shillong Lajong's academy lad Ajal raj had signed his first professional contract with Shillong Lajong after his impressive performance in the North East Super Series during pre-season. Though Aizawl FC caught most of the attention after their I-League title in 2016, it was Lajong who were the torch-bearers of northeastern football for a large part of the decade.




History






= Formation and journey

=
During the finals of the Meghalaya Invitation Cup in 1982, two football enthusiasts Shri Kitdor Syiem and Shri P. D. Sawyan saddened by the continuous failure of the Shillong teams to make it to the final stages of the tournament formed a football club to reverse the trend. Together with a group of friends and supporters, they commissioned a semi-professional club in 1983, aptly called Lajong Football Club (lit. 'Our own' or 'Of the people'). The club was also known as the Lajong Sports Social and Cultural Club.
In 1983, the club played in the 3rd Division of the Shillong Sports Association League and was the champion, being promoted to the 2nd Division. Similarly in 1984 it was promoted to the First Division. Things started to change rapidly after the title clash for the Shillong Championship was inevitably poised against the Blue Max FC, another professionally organized club which later changed itself to Langsning SC of today. It was only in 1989 that Lajong FC finally annexed the championship for the first time. In 1990, Lajong FC became the Meghalaya Invitation Cup champion, beating Nabajyoti FC of Guwahati in the final, seven years after its maiden entry.
In 2009, Lajong FC joined the I-League 2nd Division, which then was the second highest national league in India. After one season in the second division, Lajong was promoted to the I-League. Shillong Lajong gained promotion for the 2009–10 season, and had appointed former Salgaocar and East Bengal coach Stanley Rozario for their first season in then India's top flight. They played their first match in I-League in 2009 and lost to JCT FC 1–5. In their first ever home match, they defeated Air India 3–0 in front of 30,000 people. In their second home match, they lost to Mohun Bagan 2–1, again in front of a home crowd of about 30,000. At the end of the I-League season, Shillong was relegated to the 2nd division, after finishing in last place.




= 2010–present

=
In the 2009–10 Indian Federation Cup, Shillong Lajong reached to the final but lost to East Bengal in penalty-shootout. For the 2011 season, Shillong Lajong managed by Pradyum Reddy, participated in the I-League 2nd Division. Due to Shillong hosting the 2011 I-League 2nd Division final round, they were able to skip the Group stages and go straight into the final round. They ended one-year stint in the I-League 2nd Division with a 1–0 victory over Mohammedan SC on 13 May 2011, after which they got promoted back to the I-League, and appointed Scottish manager Desmond Bulpin. The club clinched Mizoram Independence Day Cup title in that season, defeating Royal Wahingdoh in final.

In June 2013, the club roped former Trinidadian international Cornell Glen who represented his country at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Thus he became club's first ever World Cup player. In the 2013–14 I-League, on 22 September, Lajong thrashed Dempo by 3–0. In 2014–15 season, they ended up in ninth position, in which Glen scored 16 goals and finished as second highest goal scorer.

In regional stages, Shillong achieved success and emerged as champions of Shillong Premier League in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019. They also emerged champions of the Bodousa Cup in 2016 defeating Assam State Electricity Board SC by 2–0. In the same year, the club won Meghalaya Invitation Football Tournament. In 2017 edition of state league, Shillong Lajong didn't appear in the semi-finals. Ahead of the 2017–18 I-League season, the club built a strong squad, signing Lawrence Doe, Abdoulaye Koffi, Daniel Odafin, Saihou Jagne and Asian quota player Oh Joo-ho from South Korea. In 2018 edition of Shillong Premier League, they secured runners-up position, losing the final to Langsning.
Alison Kharsyntiew was appointed as interim head coach for the Super Cup, following the dismissal of Bobby Nongbet. He succeeded Thangboi Singto, who managed the club from 2013 to 2017. Nongbet's first game in charge was on 4 April 2018 against Indian Super League side Pune City. Despite going down by two goals early in the match, Shillong Lajong came back to win the match 3–2. Going into the 2018–19 season, Kharsyntiew was announced as the club's head coach. His first league match in charge was on 28 October 2018 against Aizawl. A brace from Naorem Mahesh Singh saw Shillong Lajong win 2–1. The 2018–19 season was not suitable for Shillong Lajong as they were relegated from the league, after suffering a 1–4 defeat at the hands of former champions Aizawl in the last match. In that season, Lajong fielded an all Indian squad and appointed Spaniard José Carlos Hevia as technical director and head of youth development.
At the end of the league, Lajong remained at the bottom of the 11-team table, with 11 points from 19 matches. They won league's Fair Play Award. In 2019 Shillong Premier League, they again emerged champions with 27 points in 12 matches. Shillong Lajong then became a regular participant in the newly formed Meghalaya State League, since 2017. They club later clinched second edition of Meghalaya State League, defeating arch-rivals Rangdajied United. In 2021, the club participated in the Shirui Lily Cup in Manipur, organized by the Ukhrul District Sports Association, from November 22 to December 4. They won the 29th edition of the tournament by defeating KLASA 4–3 in the final.

On 21 May 2023, Shillong Lajong defeated Bengaluru United by 2–1 at the 2022–23 I-League 2 to secure promotion to the 2023–24 I-League, thereby securing promotion into India's second tier after a gap of 4 years. As the league began in November, the club kicked-off their campaign with an 1–1 draw against Mohammedan Sporting in Kolkata. Shillong Lajong gained their first victory on 19 November, beating Gokulam Kerala 3–1 in home. Their campaign concluded with 31 points in the eighth position as the league season came to an end in April 2024. The club took part in 2024 Durand Cup with their arch-rival Rangdajied United. In that tournament, Shillong Lajong stunned everyone winning the quarter-final match against defending champions East Bengal by 2–1, in which Marcos Rudwere Silva and Figo Syndai scored both the goals for the club. They later faced NorthEast United in semi-final, which turned out as Northeast derby, suffered a 3–0 defeat.




Crest, colours & kits



Nicknamed the "Red Dragons", club's official colours are red and white. The home jersey is all red, while the away jersey is all white.




= Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors

=




Home ground


Shillong Lajong primarily use the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, as their home stadium. They have also used this venue for the games of the older editions of the I-League. The stadium has astroturf, and has a capacity of 30,000 spectators.

From 2022–23 I-League 2, the club also uses SSA Stadium in Shillong for home matches. The club appeared in first home game of I-League at SSA Stadium on 9 November, after a gap of four seasons, against NEROCA in their 1–1 draw. In initial years, the club used Shillong Sports Association Ground, a 5,000 seater stadium.




Ownership


In March 2012, Shillong Lajong became the first Indian football club to undergo the foreign direct investment (FDI) as Dubai-based Anglian Holdings bought 25% club shares.




Players






= First-team squad

=
As of 30 January 2024

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.




Rivalry






= Shillong derby

=
Shillong Lajong FC shared rivalry with their fellow Shillong-based side Royal Wahingdoh, whom they faced in the I-League previously and face in Shillong Premier League regularly. The club also had a rivalry with another Shillong-based club Rangdajied United.




= Northeast derby

=

Shillong Lajong also shares rivalry with their fellow Northeastern club Aizawl in I-League.




Notable players



World Cup player

Cornell Glen (2013–2016)
Foreign players

Son Min-chol (2012–2015)
Daniel Bedemi (2009–2010)
Kelechi Okoye (2010–2011)
Aiman Al-Hagri (2017–2018)
Anil Gurung (2012–2013)
Yuta Kinowaki (2016–2017)
Dan Gelu Ignat (2016–2017)
James Gbilee (2008–2012)
Kelechi Okoye (2010–2011)
Fábio Pena (2016–2017)
Taisuke Matsugae (2013–2014)
Kondwani Mtonga (2014–2015)
Edinho Júnior Viegas (2013)
Aser Pierrick Dipanda (2016–2017)
Johnny Menyongar (2011–2013)
Uilliams Bomfim Souza (2013–2016)
Abdoulaye Koffi (2017–2018)
Lawrence Doe (2017–2018)
Oh Joo-ho (2017–2018)
Gbeneme Friday (2012–2013)
Charles Edoa (2013)
Isaac Chansa (2014–2015)
Saihou Jagne (2017–2018)
Abdou Karim Samb (2023–)
Arik Bista (2024–)




Record table



Key
Tms. = Number of teams
Pos. = Position in league
Attendance/G = Average league attendance




Honours






= League

=
I-League 2nd Division/I-League 2
Champions (1): 2010–11
Runners-up (1): 2022–23
Third place (1): 2009
National Football League III (North-East Zone)
Champions (1): 2006–07
Shillong Premier League
Champions (4): 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019
Runners-up (2): 2010, 2018
Meghalaya State League
Champions (1): 2019
Shillong Second Division League
Champions (1): 1989
Shillong Third Division League
Champions (1): 1983




= Cup

=
Federation Cup
Runners-up (1): 2009–10
Meghalaya Invitation Cup
Champions (4): 1990, 2010, 2011, 2016
Mizoram Independence Day Cup
Champions (1): 2011
Bodousa Cup
Champions (1): 2016
Shirui Lily Cup
Champions (1): 2021
ATPA Shield
Runners-up (1): 2016




= Awards

=
I-League Fair Play Award: 2018–19




Managerial history






Youth section, academy and reserves


Shillong Lajong has its youth men's football section and academy teams. These teams participate in regional tournaments, including North East Games. Club's U18 team clinched Youth League U18 title in 2017–18 season. Their U17 team also took part in the group stages of 2022–23 U-17 Youth Cup. Club's U19 team took part in, and clinched title of OIL-DFA All India U-19 Inter-Academy Invitational Football Tournament in November 2023, held in Duliajan, Assam.

Shillong Lajong FC Academy was incorporated in 2007, with the sole aim to develop the game at the grassroots level keeping in mind the abundant football talent in the North East. It began the Goal 14 project in 2009 with the objective to develop local players. Alison Kharsyntiew served as head coach of club's academy, and lead the reserves in Shillong Premier League. He led the reserves to the Shillong Premier League title in 2014.

Honours
Indian Youth League U18
Champions (1): 2017–18
Meghalaya State League U16
Champions (2): 2006, 2007
Shillong Premier League U19
Champions (3): 2011, 2014, 2015
I-League U20
Third place (1): 2012
Golaghat All India Invitational Cup
Champions (1): 2013
Runners-up (1): 2023
Oil-DFA All India U-19 Invitational Cup
Champions (1): 2023




Affiliated club(s)


The following clubs were affiliated with Shillong Lajong FC:

FC Vestsjælland (2012–2014)
NorthEast United FC (2014–2015)




In popular culture


Shillong Lajong gained popularity worldwide after being featured in a FIFA Futbol Mundial documentary episode titled "Where football is number one in India" by FIFA in August 2013, in which club's history, fanbase and legacy were screened. Another FIFA Futbol Mundial episode was released later on 23 September in the same year, named "A dancing 'hero' in India", which was based on Shillong Lajong's Portuguese striker Edinho Júnior, who signed for the club on loan from then Premier League side Blackburn Rovers. The episode highlighted dancing skills of Júnior in the club jersey, who became an overnight sensation at that time.




See also



List of football clubs in Meghalaya




References






= General sources

=




= Bibliography

=
Sharma, Nikhil Paramjit; Gupta, Shantanu (4 February 2019). India's Football Dream. SAGE Publications India. ISBN 9789353283063. Archived from the original on 4 October 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
Kapadia, Novy (2017). Barefoot to Boots: The Many Lives of Indian Football. Penguin Random House. ISBN 978-0-143-42641-7.
Martinez, Dolores; Mukharjiim, Projit B (2009). Football: From England to the World: The Many Lives of Indian Football. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-138-88353-6. Archived from the original on 2 July 2022.
Sharma, Nikhil Paramjit; Gupta, Shantanu (4 February 2019). India's Football Dream. SAGE Publications India. ISBN 9789353283063. Archived from the original on 4 October 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
Majumdar, Boria; Bandyopadhyay, Kausik (2006). A Social History Of Indian Football: Striving To Score. Routledge. ISBN 9780415348355. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021.
Basu, Jaydeep (2003). Stories from Indian Football. UBS Publishers' Distributors. ISBN 9788174764546. Archived from the original on 11 October 2022.




= Further reading

=
"Football — the passion play in Kolkata". ibnlive.in. IBN Live. 13 December 2011. Archived from the original on 11 January 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
"United Sikkim, Samity and Mohd. Sporting through to the final round". the-aiff.com. New Delhi: All India Football Federation. 14 April 2011. Archived from the original on 11 March 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2011.
Srivastava, Ayush. "Churchill Brothers 6–0 Shillong Lajong : The Goan Side Go Top of the Table After A Commanding Display Against Lajong". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
"Football | Des Bulpin signs for Shillong Lajong | ESPNSTAR.com". espnstar.com. ESPN STAR. Archived from the original on 11 June 2012.
Shrivastav, Ayush (6 October 2012). "Report: Shillong Lajong 2–0 Mohun Bagan". goal.com. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012.
"Lajong goalie Phurba Tempa Lachenpa now at Real Kashmir". thesportsroom.in. The Sports Room News. 13 August 2019. Archived from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
"Featured Articles about Shillong Lajong FC — Page 3 — Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
"I-League: Pune Heartbroken As Lajong Earn A Point Through A Last-Gasp Equalizer". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 11 November 2009.
"Shillong Lajong sign Renedy Singh". Times of India. Times of India. 16 January 2011. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2011.
Sharma, Sukalp (31 May 2010). "Indias biggest league". financialexpress.com. The Financial Express. Archived from the original on 18 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
"Rangdajied winger David Ngaihte Moves to Shillong Lajong". Feverpitch.in. 5 May 2014. Archived from the original on 12 May 2014.
"I-League: Chennai City trump Shillong Lajong through late goals from Pedro Manzi". 18 February 2019. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
"I-League: Mohun Bagan beat Shillong Lajong 3–2 in last league game". 8 March 2019. Archived from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
"Shillong Lajong ropes in Aibor Khongjee, three others". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Shillong: The Times of India. PTI. 21 July 2014. Archived from the original on 31 July 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
Quadri, Abreshmina S. (2 January 2018). "Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen steps down after loss to Chennai City FC". indiatoday.com. India Today. Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
Bharat, Khelchandra (22 November 2015). "Shillong Lajong FC Emerge as Shillong Premier League Champions". indianfootballnetwork.com. Shillong: Indian Football Network. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
"After Shillong United shut shop, a look at clubs that withdrew from the I-League in the last 5 years". scroll.in. Scroll. 1 August 2018. Archived from the original on 28 December 2019. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
"There was little competition for the 'Best Striker Award' as Aser Pierrick Dipanda Dicka of Shillong Lajong grabbed the award". Business Standard. 2 May 2017. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
"Chhetri, Khalid, Dipanda among others win individual I-League awards". thefangarage.com. The Fan Garage. 2 May 2017. Archived from the original on 30 June 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
"Delhi FC clinch second division title and promotion to I-League". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. New Delhi: The Times of India. PTI. 26 May 2023. Archived from the original on 27 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
Basu, Ritayan (26 May 2023). "Delhi FC Crowned 2nd Division Champions, Earn Promotion to I-League". News18.com. New Delhi. Archived from the original on 27 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
"Delhi FC secure maiden I-League berth". indianexpress.com. New Delhi: The Indian Express. PTI. 26 May 2023. Archived from the original on 27 May 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
"Shillong Lajong FC 2–1 United Sikkim FC: Matsugane's injury-time winner gives the Reds the spoils against the Snow Lions". Goal. 2 February 2013. Archived from the original on 6 February 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
Mathew, Alen Philip (21 May 2023). "Shillong Lajong secure promotion to I-League 2023–24". khelnow.com. New Delhi: Khel Now. Archived from the original on 22 May 2023. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
Bhattacharya, Nikhilesh (5 December 2012). "Not just about the money — Bhaichung Bhutia's United Sikkim FC faces challenges that test him as an administrator". LiveMint.com. Gangtok. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
Rozario, Rayan (29 December 2018). "I-League 2018: Chennai City FC returns to top with 6–1 thumping of Shillong Lajong". sportstar.thehindu.com. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
"Premier Indian Futuristic Football Academy — Coaches — Monotosh Ghosh". piffa.in. Burdwan. 2023. Archived from the original on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
Bhattacharya, Arka (21 January 2017). "This Wahingdoh boy went from being scouted to U-15 I-League Player of the Year in just two years". thefield.scroll.in. Shillong: Scroll. Archived from the original on 13 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
"Two city-based coaches clear AFC A certificate course". theshillongtimes.com. Shillong: The Shillong Times. 25 July 2015. Archived from the original on 17 August 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
"Team Profile — Shillong Lajong Football Club". besoccer.com. BeSoccer TV. Archived from the original on 22 February 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
Fernandes, Minoo (29 November 2017). "Churchill Brothers SC promise to draw the red line this I-League". navhindtimes.in. Margao: The Navahind Times. Archived from the original on 28 November 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
"Mohammedan SC beats Shillong Lajong to win maiden I-League title, joins Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal in ISL". sportstar.thehindu.com. Shillong: Sportstar. 6 April 2024. Archived from the original on 7 April 2024. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
"Mohammedan SC clinch maiden I-League title". onmanorama.com. Shillong: Manorama News Online. PTI. 6 April 2024. Archived from the original on 6 April 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
Parasar, Swapnaneel (7 January 2016). "I-League Team Profile: Aizawl FC". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2016. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
"Second Division League: Lajong into final round after pummelling East Bengal". Highland Post. 29 April 2023. Archived from the original on 30 April 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.




External links


Shillong Lajong FC on Twitter
Shillong Lajong FC on Facebook
Shillong Lajong FC on Instagram
Shillong Lajong FC at Soccerway
Shillong Lajong FC at WorldFootball.net
Shillong Lajong FC at the-aiff.com (AIFF)
Shillong Lajong FC at Global Sports Archive

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