Northeast States Declare Holiday for FIFA World Cup Final
Football Fever Grips the Northeast
Aerial view of FIFA Fan Park set up at Shillong's Polo Ground. (Photo:Gregory Allya Warjri/Meta)
Shillong/Imphal, July 19: The excitement for football has taken over the Northeast, prompting the governments of Meghalaya and Manipur to announce a holiday for educational institutions on Monday. This decision allows students to enjoy the FIFA World Cup 2026 final featuring Argentina and Spain.
Set to begin at 12:30 am on Monday, the match has led both states to suspend classes, acknowledging the sport's significant appeal among the youth.
In Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma declared that all schools and colleges would be closed on Monday, emphasizing that football is "a passion and a way of life" in the region.
"I have decided that tomorrow, Monday, will be a holiday for all educational institutions, including schools and colleges," Sangma stated in a video message released on Sunday.
The Chief Minister noted that this decision aims to allow young people to fully enjoy the World Cup final, which has sparked considerable excitement throughout the state.
This announcement follows the enthusiastic public response to the CM Fan Parks set up for live screenings in Shillong, Jowai, and Tura, where thousands of fans have gathered during the tournament.
Similarly, the Manipur government has also declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, and higher education establishments, to facilitate students watching the final.
An official order from the Governor indicated that this closure applies to institutions affiliated with the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM), the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM), the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), as well as government and private colleges and universities.
The order was signed by Commissioner-cum-Secretary Ningthoujam Geoffrey, overseeing various educational departments.
Reports suggest that the Manipur government plans to host live screenings of the final on large screens across all districts, allowing fans to come together for the match. However, no official confirmation regarding these screenings has been released as of this report.
Manipur has a rich history in football, consistently producing players for the Indian Super League and the national women's football team, showcasing the state's significant contribution to the sport.
The announcements from both states highlight the deep cultural significance of football in the Northeast, where the World Cup is celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm.