In earlier editions, Rangdajied United FC had come close but just couldn’t finish it off. That made them more determined. This time, they created history.

The Meghalaya side scraped through to the final phase from Group A from preliminary round. Coming to the main draw, they did stumble at times. But they jumped the highest in the final hurdle. They not only qualified for their maiden I-League in 2013/14, but also reigned supreme in the 2nd Division garnering 19 points from 10 matches.

Add to that, the Shillong based team won all of their five matches in the second round of the final phase. Obviously it goes without saying, Rangdajied United FC General Secretary Karsing Kurbah stayed the happiest man on the pitch after the final whistle blew at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday. Rangdajied had won 3-1 against Mohammedan Sporting.

“I can’t express how happy I am. This has to be the finest hour of the club. We have worked so hard for this day. While we were preparing for the 2nd Division, I remember not allowing the players to go home for a single day. They obeyed, and today we are reaping the dividends,” Kurbah said.

He continued: “We were almost out of reckoning in Singrauli (Group A venue for the preliminary round). We fought hard. Then in the first round of the final phase too we finished with only four points from five matches. I am glad that we peaked at the right time. I feel so proud.”

The closest Rangdajied came to qualifying for the Elite League was in 2011 when they had finished fourth in the Final Phase and narrowly missed out from the 2011/12 I-League.

“We were one point short. It was heartbreaking. Of the four times we played in the final phase, 2011 was the closest we came. But we always aimed for the top flight. The day has finally arrived. We are going to celebrate a lot tonight,” the General Secretary quipped smiling.

“We have big plans for the I-League. This is what we played for. But for now, we’ll rejoice. It’s euphoric.”

(AIFF Press Release)