Ricky Shabong, the 23-year-old central midfielder from Meghalaya who plays for Punjab FC, has been named among Khalid Jamil’s probables for India’s four-nation Unity Cup in London — a selection that brings him a step closer to the senior national team after strong displays in the Indian Super League. The call-up follows squad adjustments, including Mohun Bagan Super Giant withdrawing seven players from the national camp and East Bengal asking injured defender Anwar Ali to skip travel, opening opportunities for youngsters like Shabong.
Meghalaya has historically lagged behind neighbours Manipur and Mizoram in producing senior India internationals, but Shabong’s rise — and increasing representation of the state in youth teams — suggests that trend may be shifting. Having appeared for India at U17, U19 and U20 levels, Shabong said the senior jersey has always been his dream. “Since I started playing, it’s been my dream to wear the national team jersey. That’s what I have been aiming for,” he told TOI after learning of the call-up.
Delighted at the development, Shabong added: “I have played for the age teams. But now that I have been selected for the senior national squad, I’m really excited and want to fight more to represent my country and make my mom, dad and everyone supporting me, proud.” He also cited Eugeneson Lyngdoh as an inspiration: “I want to be like Eugeneson Lyngdoh… and play for India.”
Lyngdoh, one of the few Meghalaya players to reach the senior India team alongside names such as Rocus Lamare and Aiborlang Khongjee, praised Shabong’s progress and the state’s improving football infrastructure. “He has done so well for Punjab FC in the ISL,” Lyngdoh told TOI, and added that young players are making the most of better facilities through hard work.
Shabong began his international journey as a right back but has evolved into a central midfielder over three seasons at Punjab FC, becoming an important part of coach Panagiotis Dilmperis’s plans. “I grew up watching Xavi and Iniesta. I loved their play in defence and attack. But I played as right back in the beginning,” he said. “It was in Punjab that I began playing in midfield and, although I found it tough first, the coach helped me adapt and now I am a complete midfielder.”
With India set to miss key midfield names such as Anirudh Thapa for the London trip, Shabong is among the contenders for one of the midfield slots in the final 18. His inclusion in Jamil’s probables underlines both his individual development at club level and the growing pool of talent emerging from Meghalaya.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/filling-the-gap-shabong-ready-to-step-up-for-indias-midfield-challenge/articleshow/131295987.cms
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Publish Date: 2026-05-25 00:12:00
