Shillong, Oct 26: There is just over a week to go before the start of the SSA Champions Cup 2026, the coveted trophy of which was unveiled today in the presence of senior members of the Shillong Sports Association and players and officials of the 10 participating teams.
The big reveal was led by SSA President Banteidor Lyngdoh MLA following on from the very successful maiden edition of this tournament in 2025. All 10 teams also received cheques of Rs 50,000 each as a reward for qualifying for the event and as financial support for them to prepare for the mega championship.
The Champions Cup brings together the winners and runners-up from all five of the SSA’s men’s football divisions into one immersive experience.
To put the clubs on a more even footing, those from the Second, Third and Fourth Divisions are allowed to sign five players from other local clubs on loan, whereas those from the Shillong Premier League and First Division must use the players already registered with the SSA.
The teams will participate in a league-cum-knockout format that will begin on 3 November and conclude in a grand finale at the beginning of December.
Those in the running are (champions and runners-up respectively) Mawlai and Shillong Lajong from the SPL, Mawkhar and Nongkrem (First Division), Mawpat and Sohryngkham (Second Division), Sanmer and Lamlynti (Third Division) and Mawpdang and Sei La Sap FCC (Fourth Division).
2025 champions Nongkseh will not be able to defend their title, as they could only finish third in the SPL this year. That means that whoever wins this time will become the new title-holders.
Lajong are the only team making a second consecutive appearance. They were runners-up in the SPL in 2025 and 2026 and finished second to Nongkseh in the inaugural Champions Cup. Nongkseh won a thrilling final in a filled out SSA Stadium 2-1 in extra time.
Before the unveiling, Lyngdoh congratulated all the clubs on reaching this prestigious event and said that the SSA wants to work hand in hand with the teams to make this edition an even greater success. He added that the ultimate dream of all those involved in the SSA is to see more local players go on to play for bigger clubs in the country and to also represent the national team.
Group A comprises Mawlai, Nongkrem, Mawpat, Lamlynti and Mawpdang while Group B comprises Lajong, Mawkhar, Sohryngkham, Sanmer and Sei La Sap. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals. The opening match will be between Mawlai and Lamlynti at 2:30pm on 3 November at the SSA Stadium.
