Shillong, Aug. 1 -- In this north eastern state capital of Meghalaya, football isn't confined to stadium walls, it spills onto the streets, cafes, and conversations.
On the evening of Tuesday, as local favourites Shillong Lajong FC won over Rangdajied United FC 3-1 in the Shillong Derby, the result was only part of the story.
What mattered more was what it meant, to the fans, to the city, and to the deep-rooted football culture that pulses through Meghalaya. The attendance was estimated at 8,500, with supporters flooding into the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium hours before kick-off.
"You don't miss this match, not in Shillong. Even if you're neutral, you go, because it's not just a game, it's our game," said a Lajong supporter. The first half...