Former India international footballer Manitombi Singh dies at 39

Kolkata: Former India-International star and skipper of Mohun Bagan Laishram Manitombi Singh passed away in his home state of Manipur, his former club announced on Sunday. He was 39.

(Photo: Twitter/Indian Football Team)

He had been suffering for long and breathed his last at his home state on Saturday.

“Mohun Bagan family is deeply saddened by the untimely demise of former club captain Manitombi Singh. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Manitombi Singh,” India champions Mohun Bagan tweeted at the pre-matured demise of a former Indian defender.

The Manipur born footballer had played for the city giants Mohun Bagan between 2003-05 and won Indian Airlines Gold Cup in 2004.

Born on June 10, 1981 in Achanbegei, a suburb of Imphal, the defender started his career for Army Boys.

He also played Services for two seasons at the beginning of his career. He later donned the jerseys of Air India, Salgaocar FC and Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan.

Manitombi was a household name among the Green and Maroon loyalists between 2003-2005.

He won several accolades during that period with the Kolkata club.

Singh represented the Indian national side at the Busan Asian Games in 2002.

He was also a member of India U-23 side which under the tutelage of Stephen Constantine won the historic LG Cup in 2002.

He had played in the Manipur State League since 2012, first for NEROCA FC, whom he helped win the maiden League title in 2014.

He then joined Manipur State League defending champions, Anouba Imagi Mangal (AIM), in the 2015-16 season.

Post-retirement, he joined former Manipur State League champions AIM as their head coach. (UNI)