Meghalaya has always fallen short compared to its neighbours – Manipur and Mizoram – in producing national team footballers. But that seems to be changing with more young footballers representing India in the age groups and showing the promise to one day don the senior national team jersey. And closest to that privilege is Ricky Shabong, the Punjab FC player who got a place in Khalid Jamil’s list of probables for the 4-nation Unity Cup in London.“Since I started playing, it’s been my dream to wear the national team jersey. That’s what I have been aiming for,” Shabong said during an interaction with TOI after getting the news of his call-up.With Mohun Bagan Super Giant withdrawing their seven players from the national camp on Saturday, and East Bengal asking injured Anwar Ali to avoid the travel, the Meghalaya midfielder’s dream looks closer than before.“I have played for age teams. But now that I have been selected for the senior team, I’m really excited and want to fight more to represent my country and make my mom, dad and all supporting me, proud.” the 23-year-old said.
