BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 25th November 2025: Tripura Football Association President Pranab Sarkar has praised All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey for what he described as “unprecedented initiatives” to boost football across the Northeast.
“Let us acknowledge what Kalyan Chaubey, as President of AIFF, has taken up for the development of football in Northeast India. His efforts have brought historic opportunities to our region,” Sarkar said at a press conference at Agartala Press Club highlighting the scale and consistency of Chaubey’s engagements with all eight Northeastern states.
Sarkar noted that under Chaubey’s leadership, Tripura secured hosting rights for major national tournaments for the first time in history.
“Tripura hosting the Men’s Senior National Santosh Trophy Group Stage was a milestone for us, and it happened due to Chaubey’s proactive leadership,” he stated.
Tripura hosted Group D of the Santosh Trophy (2024–25), Group G of the Women’s Senior National Rajmata Jijabai Trophy (2024–25), and has again been allotted Group D of the Santosh Trophy (2025–26).
Sarkar pointed to Chaubey’s repeated visits to Assam, including Kokrajhar and Bodoland. Bodoland’s participation in an exposure match outside the state, where they secured a historic win in Odisha, was also attributed to these initiatives.
Kokrajhar successfully hosted two editions of the Durand Cup and the Santosh Trophy Group Stage, while Guwahati hosted the India vs Afghanistan FIFA World Cup Qualifier.
“These developments are strengthening Assam’s football ecosystem,” Sarkar said.
Under Chaubey, Manipur hosted Senior Indian men’s international matches for the first time, featuring games against Myanmar and Kyrgyz Republic in the Tri-Nation Cup. A major MoU between the Government of Manipur and AIFF was also signed.
“Imphal’s emergence as an international host city is a proud moment for the Northeast,” Sarkar remarked.
Chaubey visited Nagaland four times and rolled out the FIFA Football for Schools programme. A new stadium has been approved in Chümoukedima, where the Dr Talimeren Ao Girls’ Junior National Football Championship (Tier 2) is currently underway.
“The initiation of the Nagaland Pro League is a landmark step,” Sarkar added.
Arunachal hosted the Santosh Trophy Final Round, leading the state government to announce a ₹200-crore football stadium. The state also hosted a SAFF U-19 Championship, a first of its kind, and will have a proposed high-altitude training centre in Tawang.
“Arunachal’s rapid rise in football infrastructure is remarkable,” Sarkar said.
Chaubey facilitated Meghalaya’s hosting of senior Indian men’s international matches for the first time—a FIFA Friendly against Maldives and an AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh. The state also hosted the Women’s Tri-Nation featuring India, Nepal, and IR Iran.
Chaubey participated in the Chintan Shivir, a conclave focused on strengthening sports—especially football—in the Northeast.
Sikkim hosted the first Executive Committee Meeting of the new AIFF regime. The Sikkim Gold Cup continues to thrive, and the Sikkim Premier League has emerged as a major regional tournament.
Sarkar concluded by stating: “The Northeast has always been a powerhouse of football talent. What we needed was national-level attention and consistent support — and Kalyan Chaubey has delivered that. His leadership is creating lasting impact across all states of the region.”
