Ex-India footballer Manitombi dies at 39

Kolkata, August 9

Former India and Mohun Bagan footballer Manitombi Singh died aged 39 at his native village near Imphal in Manipur today. Manitombi was suffering from a prolonged illness and breathed his last in the early hours today.

The nature of his illness was not clear and his family members did not share any details. He is survived by his wife and eight-year-old son.

“Mohun Bagan family is deeply saddened by the untimely demise of former club captain Manitombi Singh,” the club posted on its Twitter page. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Manitombi Singh.”

Key player

Manitombi was a key member of the Stephen Constantine-coached India Under-23 side that lifted the LG Cup in 2003 by defeating Vietnam 3-2 in Ho Chi Minh City. It was India’s first international triumph since their victory at an eight-nation tournament in Singapore in 1971.

Manitombi also represented India in the 2002 Busan Asian Games. In the same year, the former right-back also played in two friendlies against Jamaica at Watford and Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom.

Manitombi scored in his debut game for Mohun Bagan at the Calcutta Football League Premier Division in 2003 and went on to lead the club to victory in the All Airlines Gold Cup in 2004.

Having started out his playing career with Army Boys and Services, Manitombi also represented Air India and Salgaocar before making the big move to Mohun Bagan in 2003. He was last seen playing for Manipur State League defending champions Anouba Imagi Mangal in the 2015-16 season before becoming their head coach. — PTI

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