60 Referees attend WJDSA clinic in Jowai; new hopes rise for national level

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 8, 2025

The Referees Committee of the West Jaiñtia District Sports Association (WJDSA), Jowai, conducted the Referees Clinic-cum-Examination 2025 from August 4 to 7 at Kiang Nangbah Stadium, Ladthadlaboh, for both upgradation and fresh recruitment of football referees.

The four-day programme was held under the supervision of Joychandra Singh, Zonal Referees’ Development Officer of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), along with R. Synnah, Head of Referees at the Meghalaya Football Association, and Max John Nongsiej, Referees Assessor.

A total of 60 referees participated in the clinic — 26 appeared for upgradation, while 34 new aspiring referees took part in the selection process. The clinic covered classroom theory, physical fitness, practical sessions, and evaluation, aligning with AIFF standards.

The initiative reflects WJDSA’s dedication to grooming quality referees and strengthening grassroots football in the region. It also offers a stepping stone for passionate youth seeking careers in football officiating.

It may be mentioned that Bulmi Phawa, a school teacher from Nonglatem, recently cleared all four components of the AIFF National Referee Examination (Level 5) for the year 2023, becoming the second male National Referee from West Jaiñtia Hills in over 11 years.

The first-ever National Referee from Jaintia Hills was Rumanium Syngkon, who passed the national exam in 2005. His last Cooper Test participation was in 2013, but he continues to officiate local matches under WJDSA.

WJDSA also takes pride in producing the first female referee from the region, Riiohlang Dhar, who currently serves in the Meghalaya Police. Her journey stands as a powerful inspiration for women in sports officiating.

The association expressed its gratitude to the trainers, assessors, and participants, and hopes the clinic will spark greater interest in refereeing among the younger generation. WJDSA believes that success stories like Bulmi, Rumanium, and Riiohlang will continue to motivate aspiring referees to aim for national and international recognition.