Shillong Lajong FC

Shillong Lajong FC, originally founded as Lajong SC, is a prominent Indian professional football club based in Shillong, Meghalaya. The club competes in the I-League, the second tier of Indian football, following their promotion from the 2022–23 I-League 2.

Established in 1983, Shillong Lajong’s primary goal has been to elevate the standard of football in the state and nurture local talent. The club’s name, “Lajong,” translates to “our own” in the local Khasi language. Known as “The Red Dragons,” Shillong Lajong has been a dominant force in the Shillong Premier League, winning the title four times.

As the first club from the North East region of India to gain national prominence, Shillong Lajong played a pivotal role in putting northeastern football on the map. Notably, the club’s academy graduate, Samuel Shadap, signed his first professional contract with Shillong Lajong in the lead-up to the 2012–13 I-League season after an impressive performance in the North East Super Series.

While Aizawl FC garnered significant attention for their I-League title in 2016, Shillong Lajong remained a consistent force in northeastern football for much of the decade, carrying the torch for the region’s footballing aspirations. With headquarters in Shillong and access to a vibrant student population, the club remains dedicated to nurturing footballing talent from a young age, contributing to the growth and success of football in the North East.