UKHRUL/IMPHAL: In a huge loss for Manipur, Coach Gift Raikhan of NEROCA FC has passed away in Imphal on Monday.
The passing away of one of Manipur’s most distinguished football coaches has shocked the entire sports community of the state and the Northeast region.
Born in Mapao Zingtun from Tangkhul community, Raikhan made his first mark as a professional footballer for various clubs, including Churchill Brothers, HAL, Indian Bank, Vasco, BEML, and Pune. Later, he dedicated himself to coaching and youth development, shaping many youths from the region in football.
Under his leadership, NEROCA FC won the first I-League 2nd division title in 2016-17 and earned promotion to the I-League, becoming the first club from Manipur to reach the top tier of Indian football.
In recognition for this extensive contribution to football, Raikhan won the Syed Abdul Rahim Award as the I-League’s Best Coach for the 2017-18 season.
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Chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed his profound sadness over the demise of Gift Raikhan, AFC ‘A’ Licence Coach and distinguished footballer who made significant contributions to the development of football in Manipur both as a player and as a coach.
“Through his dedication to the sport and his efforts in mentoring young talents, he left an enduring impact on the football community. His passing is a great loss to Manipur’s sporting fraternity,” said CM Khemchand.
The chief minister also extended his heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
Additionally, while extending his heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the entire NEROCA fraternity, former chief minister N Biren Singh said that “As a passionate coach and dedicated sportsman, he contributed immensely to football in Manipur, inspiring many young talents with his leadership and commitment to the game.”
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The Tangkhul Football Players Association (TFPA) also mourned the sudden passing away of Raikhan, one of the senior members of the Association, and stated that throughout his career, he championed the idea that clubs from smaller footballing regions could compete with the traditional powerhouse of Indian football.
“His work helped strengthen the visibility of Northeast Indian football and contributed significantly to the broader development of the sport in the country,” it stated.
The TFPA stated that his demise represents a monumental loss for the Tangkhul football community in particular and the Indian football community in general.
“Gift Raikhan’s passion, leadership and dedication left an indelible mark on Indian football. His legacy will endure in the players he mentored, the clubs he transformed and the dreams he inspired,” added the Association.
