Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Imphal: Gift Raikhan died Monday in Imphal. The veteran coach and former professional player was a pillar of the Manipur sports community. His death hit the Northeast region hard.
Raikhan started his career on the pitch. He played for clubs like Churchill Brothers, HAL, and Indian Bank. He later shifted his focus to coaching and building up youth talent. He transformed NEROCA FC into a national force. Under his guidance, the team secured the I-League 2nd division title in 2016-17. This achievement made them the first club from Manipur to reach the top tier of Indian football. He earned the Syed Abdul Rahim Award for his work during the 2017-18 season.
State leaders paid tribute to his career. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh noted his influence on the sport. "Through his dedication to the sport and his efforts in mentoring young talents, he left an enduring impact on the football community," the CM said.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also shared his condolences. He credited Raikhan for his leadership and commitment to the game. The Tangkhul Football Players Association praised his belief that smaller clubs could beat traditional powers. They noted that his work boosted the profile of football across Northeast India. His legacy survives through the many players he coached and the clubs he helped build.
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