Shidalin L Marshillong has secured a significant milestone in Meghalaya football after qualifying as a Category 5 national assistant referee. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced her upgrade following the Level 5 upgradation practical examination for women officials, opening the way for her to officiate in national-level football matches.
Shidalin L Marshillong clears Level 5 practical test
Shidalin L Marshillong cleared the Level 5 practical examination conducted for women officials. The assessment was part of the AIFF’s 2026 process for upgrading match officials to the national category.
According to AIFF Head of Referees S Suresh, Marshillong successfully completed the examination along with two officials from Nagaland. Her Category 5 upgrade took effect immediately after the results were announced on September 22.
The qualification represents an important step in her refereeing career. Category 5 referees and assistant referees are eligible to officiate national-level matches across India.
A new national-level opportunity for Meghalaya official
The upgrade gives Marshillong access to a wider range of football assignments beyond the state level. As a national assistant referee, she can now be considered for officiating duties in national competitions conducted under the AIFF framework.
Her achievement also adds to the growing pool of Meghalaya officials reaching national standards. The development comes as the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) continues efforts to strengthen the state’s football ecosystem, including the development of match officials.
In March, Marshillong was among three Meghalaya officials who completed the fitness and written examination for the AIFF Level 5 upgrade. The other two were women’s referee Pipilmoris Wanniang and men’s assistant referee Jespar Syiemlieh. The examinations were held at the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education in Gwalior on March 25 and 27.
Meghalaya expands Category 5 referee pool
Marshillong’s promotion follows several other Category 5 upgrades involving Meghalaya officials this year.
Pipilmoris Wanniang was upgraded to Category 5 referee status in July after clearing the 2026 practical examination. Referee Pynskhemhame Mawthoh and assistant referee Jespar Syiemlieh have also attained Category 5 status in recent months.
The latest achievement therefore adds another nationally qualified woman official to Meghalaya’s football structure. It also highlights the increasing focus on developing women match officials alongside players and coaches.
The state’s football administration has been working with the Meghalaya government on a broader programme covering grassroots football, senior competitions, women’s football, referee development and the hosting of high-level tournaments.
Focus on women’s football and officiating
The Level 5 practical examination specifically assessed women officials, providing a pathway for successful candidates to progress into national competitions.
For Meghalaya, the development is significant beyond one individual qualification. Building a stronger pool of trained and certified match officials is an important part of creating a sustainable football structure. Qualified referees and assistant referees are required across competitions, and greater representation at the national level can expand opportunities for officials from the Northeast.
Marshillong’s progression also follows the recent elevation of women officials in neighbouring Nagaland. Two Nagaland assistant referees, Mhasikhonuo Paunuo and Vephilu Hoshi, were upgraded to AIFF Category 5 on the same occasion.
Growing national presence for Meghalaya football
The latest development comes as Meghalaya continues to strengthen its presence in Indian football. While the state has a long-standing football culture, recent efforts have increasingly focused on structured development, including match-official training and women’s football.
The MFA has linked the development of officials with its wider objective of improving football from the grassroots level to senior competitions. The association is also working towards hosting top-level football events in the state.
For Marshillong, the Category 5 qualification marks the completion of a significant stage in the AIFF pathway. It now places her among officials eligible to take charge of national-level assignments and provides an opportunity to gain experience in competitions beyond Meghalaya.
Her progression also underlines the role of formal referee education, fitness testing and practical assessment in creating a larger national pool of football officials.
With another Meghalaya official moving into the national category, attention will now turn to the assignments that follow and to whether more officials from the state can progress through the AIFF certification system. The achievement adds another step to Meghalaya’s ongoing efforts to develop football talent and match-officiating capacity across the state.