SHILLONG : Bollywood actor and NorthEast United FC co-owner John Abraham has declared Shillong the future home of football in the Northeast, saying the club is investing in the city’s long-term sporting future through a Centre of Excellence aimed at developing local talent.
The academy will nurture players from the Baby League to the first team, with plans to eventually support athletes from other sports as well. Calling the Northeast the “hotbed of football” in India, Abraham said the region has consistently produced some of the country’s finest footballers and deserves stronger investment in grassroots development.
“Shillong is going to be the home of football in the Northeast,” he said. Abraham also spoke about his personal connection with the region, revealing that he could have chosen to own a football club in Mumbai but instead decided to invest in the Northeast.”I’ve always been in love with this region.
I was given the option of getting a football team in Mumbai, but I chose to come here,” he said. Looking ahead, the club owner said NorthEast United FC remains determined to add another Durand Cup title to its trophy cabinet while continuing its quest for a maiden Indian Super League championship.
He said his involvement with the club goes beyond football, describing the Northeast as a place where he feels at home.
“What matters to me is I’m one of y’all, and we have a football team together. I want to bring pride to the region,” Abraham said.
