VIDEO - NDTV: Baichung's Kolkata trains hard to claim Fittest City Contest award

Ex-India captain Baichung Bhutia and current international Gouramangi Singh train Kolkata footballers hard and say their experience will give them a bonus and help them claim the Fittest City Contest award in the NDTV/Nirmal Marks for Sports campaign.

Koevermans names India probables for Singapore friendly

Indian national football team Coach Wim Koevermans has named 31 probables for India's international friendly against Singapore scheduled on October 16 in Singapore. The final list of 20 players would be announced after the opening round of the I-League.

Koevermans has called-up all 20 players who were part of the 2012 Nehru Cup winning squad besides calling-up numerous players who had been part of the Nehru Cup probables. The surprise additions have been Air India defensive duo of Prateek Chowdhary and Mohanraj Pradeep.


INDIA Probables

Goalkeepers
Arindam Bhattacharya (Mohun Bagan AC), Subrata Pal (Prayag United SC), Subhasish Roy Chowdhury (Dempo SC), Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC)

Defenders
Nirmal Chettri (Mohun Bagan AC), Prateek Chowdhary (Air India), Denzil Franco (Churchill Brothers SC), Raju Eknath Gaikwad (East Bengal Club), Souvik Ghosh (Pailan Arrows), Nallappan Mohanraj (Pune FC), Syed Rahim Nabi (Mohun Bagan AC), Mohanraj Pradeep (Air India), Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Prayag United SC), Gurwinder Singh (East Bengal Club), Irungbam Khelemba Singh (Mohun Bagan AC)

Midfielders
Francis Fernandes (Salgaocar SC), Romeo Fernandes (Dempo SC), Alwyn George (Pailan Arrows), Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal Club), Rocus Lamare (Salgaocar SC), Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC), Anthony Pereira (Dempo SC), Sanju Pradhan (East Bengal Club), Jewel Raja Sheikh (Mohun Bagan AC), Lalrindika Ralte (East Bengal Club), Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers SC)

Forwards
Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC), Sunil Chhetri (Sporting Clube de Portugal 'B'), Jeje Lalpekhlua (Pune FC), Manandeep Singh (East Bengal Club), Robin Singh (East Bengal Club)

Officials
Wim Koevermans (Head Coach), Savio Medeira (Assistant Coach), Marcus Pacheco (Goalkeeping Coach)

PHOTOs: Indian Voting for FIFA/FIFPro World XI!

Indian footballers and foreigners playing professionally in India registered with the Football Players Association of India (FPAI) have started to cast their votes for the FIFA FIFPro World XI! Here some snaps of Baichung Bhutia reading about the voting procedure besides Gouramangi Singh, Nirmal Chettri, Syed Rahim Nabi and Tolgay Ozbey casting their votes.

Prayag United SC sign Subrata, Mangi & Baldeep!

The big spenders of Indian football, Prayag United SC yesterday formally signed three new players on two year contracts - India No.1 goalkeeper Subrata Pal, key India centre-back Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh and influential midfielder Baldeep Singh.

After having earlier signed players of the calibre of I-League record scorer Ranty Martins Soleye from Dempo SC and Costa Rican World Cupper Carlos Hernández Valverde from Melbourne Victory the addition of these three players will give even more options to coach Sanjay Sen.

Director of Prayag United SC Nawab Bhattacharya said, "Subrata Pal is the ace goalkeeper in the Indian football scenario and Gourmangi Singh is well known for his defending acts. Along with them we also have midfielder Baldip Singh to add to the strength of the team and cover positions."

"We are happy to have them aboard with us. They will surely play the local matches but we are aiming for the Federation Cup with the players of their likes," Nawab added about the immediate aims.

One thing is clear. For Prayag United just to finish amongst the best will no longer be enough in the Federation Cup and I-League and comparisons with big spending European clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain FC have been made. Now the purple brigade will have to get results and trophies.

Gouramangi Singh: This is a phase of emotional transition for me!

Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh has stayed the bedrock of Indian defence since 2007. The 2010 AIFF Player-of-the-Year has been part of two Nehru Cup triumphs besides being a member of the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup winning squad. In a freewheeling interview with AIFF Media, Gouramangi speaks at length about the 'New India' under Wim Koevermans, his partnership with Raju Gaikwad, Sunil Chhetri's purple patch, old pal Subrata Pal and his transition into a Senior Pro...


With two wins on the trot the team spirit must surely be on a high.

The three points against Syria were very important for us. A win in the first match of any Tournament is always a morale booster. We combined well against Maldives but we cannot afford to bask in its glory. The focus has already shifted to our next match against Nepal. We are not thinking too far ahead.


How do you define the new team?

It is very early to comment on that. We are just two matches old under a philosophy and system brought in by our (new) coach Wim Koevermans. It has been just three weeks that we have been together. But I feel we have shown glimpses of what we are trying to do. This is a 'New India' for sure. The little success we have got so far is because every member of the team is giving his best for the cause. It's pertinent that we recognise the contributions of the coaching staff, the support staff and the fans.


What's been your assessment of the new Coach?

He is a very positive man. He has received a warm welcome from the players and is trying to instil a new philosophy into the team. We are learning a lot under him. This is the beginning of a new era. There are better days to come and this unit has it in them to go the distance.


Who has been the stand out performers for you so far?

For a moment, let's leave aside the seniors – Sunil Chhetri, Syed Rahim Nabi, Mehtab Hossain, Subrata Pal and myself - we have been talked about a lot. I feel it's time to focus on someone like Francis Fernandes or a Lenny Rodrigues. They are playing so well. Take Francis's cross to Sunil for example. It was top class – wasn't it? Robin Singh complemented Sunil very well after he was brought in. It's time these youngsters hog the limelight.

This phase is an emotional transition for someone like me – as I am no more a junior but have all of a sudden become a senior player, that too at 26. The responsibility obviously, has increased.


Sunil Chhetri is in tremendous form. If you were to stop him, what would you have done?

(Gourmangi busts into laughter)… Sunil has been in exceptional form and has been scoring at those important phases. That's what we need from him. He is a great guy to have you in your side. He can lift up the spirits very fast. We share a great rapport. Talking of stopping him (laughs again)… well our rivals would be listening, so why should I reveal (laughs again). Let the other teams think about him.


You also share a great camaraderie with Subrata Pal since the TFA days. How much does he add confidence to the team?

His consistency is laudable. He is a very energetic goalkeeper and anticipation is very good. He is my best mate and we are sharing the same room. The team depends on him and he never lets us down. I'm looking forward to playing with him together for Prayag United when the clubs season unfolds.


You have played with different partners in the central defence for the Indian Team. What is special about your understanding Raju Gaikwad.

He is one of the best centre-backs who have come up the ranks. After Mahesh (Gawli), he is the pick of the lot. He echoes a lot of confidence in defence and leads the pack of a very talented new generation which will rule Indian football in the next decade. Mahesh Gawli has always stayed my idol as a stopper back and I grew up watching him. I miss him very much as much I miss Baichung Bhutia and others.


How much has Gouramangi Singh matured over the years?

Football stays my life. I have always wanted to play football and I'm happy I'm able to chase my dream. I play with passion and chase my dream. There's still so much to learn...

(Written by Debayan Mukherjee, AIFF Media Team)

Prayag United SC squad for the 2012/13 season

Big spending Prayag United SC are one of the teams the Indian football fans can look forward to in the upcoming 2012/13 season. The side from Kolkata have signed some of the best talent available in India.

Star players like goalkeeper Subrata Pal, defender Gouramangi Singh and Nigerian striker Ranty Martins Soleye have joined the team, and with Costa Rican World Cupper Carlos Hernández Valverde, the club has made one of the biggest signings in the Indian football circuit in recent years.

It will be interesting to see if coach Sanjay Sen and his men can fulfil the clubs and their sponsors ambitions.


Prayag United SC

Goalkeepers
1-Subrata Pal (Pune FC), 21-Sangram Mukherjee (Mohun Bagan AC), 31-Ishan Debnath (Mumbai FC), 40-Arindam Ghosh (Chirag United Kerala)

Defenders
2-Chinta Chandrashekar Rao, 3-Ravinder Singh (East Bengal Club), 4-Gour Naskar (Southern Samity), 6-Bello Razaq, 17-Deepak Kumar Mondal, 18-Sukhen Dey, 19-Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Churchill Brothers SC), 25-L. Dhanachandra Singh (Mumbai FC), 29-Anupam Sarkar, 31-Dipak Mondal Jr (Techno Aryan Club), 35-Soumik Rai (BNR, Kolkata), 36-Bapi Saha

Midfielders
7-Baldeep Singh (Pune FC), 8-Lal Kamal Bhowmick, 11-Mundampara P. Sakeer (Churchill Brothers SC), 12-Gouranga Biswas, 13-James Lukram Singh, 15-Snehashish Dutta, 20-Asif Kottayil (Chirag United Kerala), 22-Lester Mark Fernandez (Pune FC), 24-Francis Xavier, 26-Thoudam Joychandra Singh, 27-Usman Ashik (Chirag United Kerala), 28-Shylo Malswam Tulunga, 30-C.K. Vineeth (Chirag United Kerala), 32-Tapan Maity (Mohammedan Sporting Club), 33-Bivas Sarkar (Pathachakra, Bengal),

Forwards
9-Ranty Martins Soleye (Dempo SC), 16-Carlos Hernández Valverde (Melbourne Victory, AUSTRALIA), 14-Mohammed Rafique, 23-Shankar Sil, 25-Shankar Oraon

Official
Sanjay Sen (Coach), Anjan Nath (Assistant Coach), Per Henrikson (Goalkeeping Coach), Djair De Miranda Gracia (Physical Trainer), Dr. Aniruddha Ghosh (Team Doctor), Sanjoy Das (Physio)


Players Released
Somnath Khara, Narugopal Hait, Jayanta Sen (all Mohammedan Sporting Club), Justine Stephen, Subhas Chakraborty, Yakubu Yusif (all Mumbai FC), Abhijit Mondal, Arnab Mondal (both East Bengal Club), Denson Devadas, Arjun Chatterjee (both Mohun Bagan AC), Sheikh Shabbir Ali (United Sikkim FC), Jagroop Singh, Subhashish Roy Chowdhury, Soumik Chakraborty, F. Liandala, Crispin Chetri, Sena, Suhas S.N.Josimar da Silva Martins, Kayne Vincent

Panasonic Dream Camp for aspiring Footballers

Panasonic India along with Libero Sports is organizing a three day dream camp from today onwards for aspiring footballers which would provide them an opportunity to learn what it takes to represent India as an international player. The camp is being held at Shillong, Meghalaya.

At this three day residential camp, 28 junior players within the age group of 12-15 years will get a first-hand experience of what goes on at a national team training camp. This will include intensive training sessions, cool downs, in-classroom learning, videos, social time and a number of other unique football experiences.

Team India assistant coach Savio Medeira along with coaches Francisco Bruto da Costa and John Kenneth Raj are overseeing the technical aspects of the camp, while international players Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, Sushil Kumar Singh and Renedy Singh are involved in the camp sharing their knowledge and experience of the game with the Dream Camp participants. On completion of the camp the participants will receive certificates signed by Panasonic and the AIFF.

The participating players were nominated by the Meghalaya Football Association and two were players selected from a Panasonic Facebook campaign. The players are housed at The EeeCee Hotel and all training sessions are taking place at the FIFA Artificial Turf Pitch.

The technical plan is designed and executed by the Panasonic Dream Camp Technical Director, Savio Medeira. While off-pitch, the participants will engage in Q&A with the AIFF players and coaches, watch highlight DVDs, discuss their football dreams and gain invaluable insight on what it takes to represent India at the international level.

Talking about the dream camp Manish Sharma, Managing Director at Consumer Product Division, Panasonic India, said, "Panasonic has been playing a significant role in promoting football in India through its partnership with the All India Football Federation. This extraordinary Dream Camp would be a rewarding experience for the aspiring young footballers and give them a chance to get game tips from professional players. It will also seek to set participants up for future success and encourage the spirit of football in the country."

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, "I thank Panasonic for its significant contribution in our efforts to improve football both on-field and off-field. The continuous support from a brand like Panasonic encourages and ensures interest in the game. We are pleased to be associated and supported by Panasonic to help promote and take Indian football to the next level."

Expressing his view on the Dream Camp, former India captain Renedy Singh, said, "This camp is a wonderful platform for the young aspiring players to learn football tactics from professionals and interact with them. This is a great opportunity made possible by Panasonic by organizing such football coaching camp. I am really looking forward to the two-day long fun-filled learning experience."

It is the first camp of its kind and if it is successful then such camps could be held in other cities of the country.

Interview with Gouramangi Singh (India/Prayag United)

Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh is at 26 years of age now one of the senior players in the Indian national team. I have had the opportunity over the last decade follow his growth and development, not only as a footballer but also as a human being. This summer the Manipuri left Churchill Brothers after five mostly successful seasons and has joined high spending Prayag United of Kolkata. I caught-up with him to speak about Team India, his new club and the new Euro2012 champions.


Starting off with something interesting. Your India team mate Sunil Chhetri has been signed by Sporting Clube de Portugal. What does this mean for Indian football? Your thoughts on Sunil's signing?

I read about it yesterday morning. It's big news for Indian football, my best wishes are with him as always. Good luck brother! I'm sure you will make us proud.

We should appreciate that a club of Sporting Lisbon's stature intends an association with our country by signing Sunil in their Reserve team. Though I hope their intention is not just exploring the Indian market but more than that something which would help us to develop football in general in the country.


We have a new national coach in Wim Koevermans from the Netherlands. What are your hopes about Team India in the coming season under the new coach?

I always hope high and the best for the Indian team. And I hope with the appointment of our new coach Mr. Wim Koevermans who had played and comes from working in a higher level football nation, his experience will be very much help to the country. And I hope too that he gets all the necessary support and co-operation from every section of our football fraternity and we achieve success under him.


You have after five years left Churchill Brother SC to join Prayag United SC. Why the move from Goa to Kolkata? Why now?

I had a five great years in Churchill Brothers, lots of memories which I will cherish all throughout my life. Thanks to Churchill Alemao's family for always counting on me.

You asked me why now and why to Prayag United and Kolkata? From the football point of view five years ago a group of young lads was at a platform beginning the journey together under Mr. Karim Bencherifa as their coach. By the end of the fifth year the last two individual from the core of the group left was me and Arindam. When time came for me to decide about my future I realised that either I continue with Churchill Brothers or I look to move somewhere else it's anyway going to be similar, a new beginning for me. I listen to my heart and choose to move to a new place, a new club, a new challenge. When Prayag United approached me with their plans and ambition for the coming season, I like it and I informed to my then coach Mr. Subhas Bhowmick and the Management. I'm glad that they understood and respected my decision to move. The interesting part of being in Prayag United is there is no way in comparison in terms of history, success, trophy won, fan base, etc with the other two most successful club in Kolkata and in the country. Hope that can be an inspiration for Prayag United, tomorrow if we can win a small cup or trophy that's going to be so valuable and huge for us. It's a big challenge but hope we can do it as a team.


Prayag United look like the team to beat, then besides you they have signed Subrata Pal, Ranty Martins Soleye, World Cupper Carlos Hernandez and a host of other players. Added pressure on you all to win trophies for the club?

Prayag United was a formidable side even last year, they did considerably well. They had managed to knockout several big guns in the I-League. They weren't far behind and not much differences in terms of points.

As you have mentioned for the coming season I think they did pretty well in the transfer market bringing in few establish names in the Indian football and several talented youngsters. So obviously they look pretty much a good side maybe not the best but who atleast are ready to give a fight with the other big names in the I-League. There is nothing like added pressure on us but I'm sure we are going to fight and give our best shot to win as many matches as we can. Just hoping for the best that we combine and gel well as a good team.


You went in May to England for a coaching course. At 26 you are still young, but are you already thinking about the future?

Well, if I'm not mistaken this summer is the longest break we have got in the last five years as there is no assignment with the national team. As one among millions I too also believe in learning never ends or there is any age barrier.

I had informed our FPAI general manager Anuj Kichlu several months ago to update me if anything comes up this summer where I can participate which is related and something to do with football, so the coaching course come along the way at the right time and I'm lucky and glad to be part of the week-long course not necessarily I've to become a coach in the future but I picked up some more information from there about the game and I'm happy.


Spain won the Euro2012 on Sunday night with a 4-0 demolition of Italy. Your thoughts on the old-and-new champions?

Names of each member in the squad will be going down in the history books, that's already a priceless achievement. They truly deserved it. They were the undisputed best team in recent time on this planet.

I've no doubt they will be still the team to beat in Brazil 2014. It will be no surprise if they make even more history in Brazil. Good luck!!!

Keventer Cup: A Foundation revives school football tournament in Kolkata!

The Keventer Cup, an inter-school football tournament in Kolkata, is being revived by the Debanjan Sen Foundation. This was announced at a press conference at the Calcutta Sports Journalists Club yesterday afternoon with international footballers like Gouramangi Singh present.

The Keventer Cup will be played amongst the top 24 English medium schools in Kolkata. The tournament will be held across four different venues - La Martiniere, St James, St Lawrence and The Heritage School - simultaneously.

The tournament will kick-off on July 2 and the final is slated for July 21 with both these matches planed to be held at the La Martiniere for Boys School with Baichung Bhutia likely to inaugurate the tournament.

The Debanjan Sen Foundation was formed in memory of Late Debanjan Sen with the primary focus in developing sports, primarily football, in the school level and among the underprivileged. The Foundation takes its first step towards promoting School Football by organizing an Inter School Football Tournament in the Keventer Cup with the help and support of the Football Players Association of India.

Alvito & Gouramangi complete Level 2 Coaching License

Former Indian international and East Bengal Club legend Alvito Rolando Correia D'Cunha besides current Indian international centre-back Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh have both completed the first step in their Level 2 Coaching License held at the FC Middlesbrough Academy in Darlington, UK over the last few days. They will return in few months for the assessment to complete their UK Level 2 Coaching License.

Both the players repeatedly said that were very happy about the course as they learned a lot of things which will help them progress in the future as coaches. The course instructor Ian Kerr took special care of his Indian students who were very thankful for the help provided.

They were also delighted by the fact that many other professional footballers did the course with them, amongst them numerous EPL player including former England international Jonathan Woodgate.

The standard of learning and teaching was good although it was long days of learning, which are unusual for football players, but still both Alvito and Mangi enjoyed it and learnt a lot in the course. The two will be back somewhere between three months to one year to sit for the final assessment test and complete the Level 2 Coaching Licence. Both are planning to start their 'B' Coaching License by next summer and build on what they have learned in this course.

The UK Level 2 Coaching License course has been made possible for Alvito and Gouramangi by the English 'Professional Footballers Association', who have tied-up with the Football Players Association of India to provide courses for Indian footballers from now on and in the future. The hope of the FPAI/PFA is to develop quality coaches from the pool of former Indian players.

No Go: Savio Medeira criticises own players

India coach Savio Medeira will be a frustrated man after Team India played a dismal 2012 AFC Challenge Cup in Kathmandu, Nepal conceding eight goals, scoring none of their own with no points to its name.

But Savio Medeira, a former Indian international himself, did say things post-match yesterday after the North Korea game which I feel a coach should never ever do. He publically criticised his own team, he actually blasted them for non-performance.

Savio said, "Everyone saw it, the team lacked spirit and there was no one willing to show responsibility and as a coach it isn't very heartening to see those things in the field."

"This is a young team but these players need to learn from their senior predecessors on how to play serious football. In the last SAFF Championship the team was doing well but in this competition, I don't know why, the feeling of responsibility was not there," Savio added.

Savio even went on to say that players were more interested in securing their contracts for next season and that the current side lacks leaders criticising now senior players captain Sunil Chhetri, Syed Rahim Nabi and Gouramangi Singh to name a few.

Even if Savio has a point here, then these are things which one discusses internally with the players and the All India Football Federation, but does not give it as fodder to the media who love to use such comments.

VIDEO - Baichung: A legend. A leader. A role model.

Nike India made a series of videos around Baichung Bhutia's farewell match against FC Bayern Munich on January 10, 2012. In this video titled 'A legend. A leader. A role model.' his now former India team mates - Sunil Chhetri, Gouramangi Singh, Syed Rahim Nabi, Clifford Miranda and Rakesh Masih speak about Baichung...

VIDEO: Gouramangi organises Football Awareness Camp!

2011 Indian Footballer of the Year Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh is not the average footballer. The defender from Manipur has been one of India's key players over the last few years and off the field he tries to do whatever he can for society.

In his short summer break from club and country commitments Mangi organised a three day football awareness program in his home town of Awang Sekmai, which is outside of Imphal. It was a huge success with the kids really enjoying the camp and also for getting a chance to train with their local hero, Gouramangi Singh.

Now Mangi is back training with Team India to prepare for the 2014 FIFA World Cup - Asian Round 2 qualifier against the United Arab Emirates, while the kids have their memories of the camp and maybe someone will also make it as a footballer.


Here a video on the Football Awareness Campaign

AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers: Chhetri to lead India!

Bob Houghton has named Sunil Chhetri as India's new captain for the qualifiers of the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup to be played next week in Kuala Lumpur. In the Malaysian capital India will face Chinese Taipei (March 21), Pakistan (March 23) and Turkmenistan (March 25) in the Group B qualifiers. The top two teams from the group would move into the AFC Challenge Cup proper.

Senior players are being rested by Bob Houghton, so players like Sunil Chhetri, Gouramnagi Singh, Subrata Pal and Steven Dias will have to prove that they are ready to carry the Indian national team. Bob Houghton will also get a chance to test youngsters with talented players like Raju Gaekwad and Jeje Lalpekhulua set for their first international start tomorrow and they will have to prove that they are ready for senior competition.

For India the qualifiers are crucial as they would have to be amongst the top two teams to qualify for the final round, which India could host next year and then try to qualify for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup to be played in Australia.


INDIA

Goalkeepers
Subroto Pal (Pune FC), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Indian Arrows), Jagroop Singh (Indian Arrows)

Defenders
Anwar (Mohun Bagan AC), Nirmal Chetri (East Bengal Club), Denzil Franco (Churchill Brothers SC), Raju Gaekwad (Indian Arrows), N.S. Manju (United Sikkim FC), Nalappan Mohanraj (Mohun Bagan AC), Syed Rahim Nabi (East Bengal Club), Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Churchill Brothers SC), Govin Moirangthem Singh (Salgaocar SC)

Midfielders
Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC), Shilton D'Silva (Indian Arrows), Steven Benedic Dias (Churchill Brothers SC), Rakesh Masih (Mohun Bagan AC), Jewel Sheikh Raja (Indian Arrows), Baldeep Singh (Salgaocar SC), Jagpreet Singh (JCT)

Forwards
Sunil Chhetri (Chirag United SC, Captain), Jeje Lalpekhulua (Indian Arrows), C.S. Sabeeth (Viva Kerala), Sushil Kumar Singh (East Bengal Club)

Officials
Chief Coach: Robert Douglas Houghton; Assistant Coach: Savio Medeira; Goalkeeping Coach: Marcos Anthony Pacheco; Physical Trainer: Suresh Babu Kavuluri; Doctor: Dr. Kiran Kumar Kulkarni; Physiotherapist: Gigy George; Masseur: Liyaqat Ali; Media Officer: Brij Mohan Mehta; Manager: Mandhar Tamhane

Gouramangi: AIFF Player of the Year 2010

First of all my heartiest congratulations to Mangi on being named AIFF Player of the Year for 2010!!!

He has been one of the most consistent performers for India and his club side Churchill Brothers SC over the last few years. And last summer he tried his luck in Australia with the Melbourne Hearts but in the end he didn't make it. The AFC Asian Cup is a real challenge for the defender, but one that he like most team mates is cherishing.

But Mangi's story as a footballer is those of many in India, only that he was one of the few who really made it in an up and down career. Here something about Mangi as I got to kno him over the years...


The first time

I heard the first time about Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh in September 2001 when his name was mentioned to me by the then Indian Youth coach Islam Akhmedov as one of the best prospects amongst the juniors.

Coach Akhmedov, who hails from Uzbekistan, has an eye to spot talent. I remember he toured the North-East for three months in 2001 to scout for talent to play for the Indian Under-16 and U-19 teams.

And he had a personal request for me to try and organise a training camp for the juniors ahead of the Asian Junior finals in Germany. And the way I am, I tried to help and the camp happened.


The first meeting

I along with my friend Chris Punnakkattu Daniel organised the training camp for the India Under-17 national team at the Sports School in Hennef, south of Cologne in August 2002.

A top class facility which is used by Bundesliga clubs and Argentina stayed there during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Mangi was one of the 20 boys in the squad which came to Germany. A very nice boy, always spoke with respect to me, but sometimes a little shy.

I have to be honest (Sorry for this Mangi), he wasn't the most talented player in the squad; but someone who was always eager to learn more and develop further as a player.

In this squad Mangi was used as a defensive midfielder, mainly coming of the bench but by 2004 he had matured as a player and he went on to captain the India Under-20 squad.


The difficult times

After graduating from the Tata Football Academy in 2004 Mangi had a difficult time to make a name for himself in the Indian football circuit.

Mangi along with Habibur Rehman Mondal signed for Mohun Bagan AC that spring, but it turned out to be a circus as the players had unknowingly signed for the club. While Habibur was released to play for East Bengal, Mangi had to initially stay with Mohun Bagan before he went on loan to Dempo SC.

The next year he went to Mahindra United before signing for Sporting Clube de Goa in 2006. And it seemed another talent would go to waste with Mangi not getting any real chances to play for his clubs.

Then in the summer of 2006 Bob Houghton arrived in India and Mangi was drafted into the Olympic qualifier squad. Mangi was one of many boys that Bob gave a new lifeline.

He was transferred to Churchill Brothers SC in 2007 and he became a pillar for new coach Karim Bencharifa's young guns. And was a key player in last years I-League winning campaign.


Team India regular

Mangi first was a regular in the Under-23 squad for the 2006 Asian Games before Bob entrusted him to be a central defender in the senior national team.

Mangi became one of the key players in India's winning campaigns in the 2007 Nehru Cup, the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup and the 2009 Nehru Cup.

And as we look at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, Mangi is now playing a crucial role at the heart of defensive for our side against superior sides like Australia, Bahrain and South Korea. One of our star performers.

Gouramangi Singh: Life in Indian football

It was good news over the weekend that Mangi, as he is fondly called by friends, will be going over for trials to Australia with A-League expansion franchise Melbourne Heart from June 7 to 19.

A real challenge for the Churchill Brothers SC defender, but one that he will cherish and hopefully succeed in.

Mangi could follow in the footsteps of team mate Sunil Chhetri, who just a few weeks ago signed for US Major League Soccer club Kansas City Wizards.

And he would be the only fourth Indian footballer to play abroad.


The first time

I heard the first time about Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh in September 2001 when his name was mentioned to me by the then Indian Youth coach Islam Akhmedov as one of the best prospects amongst the juniors.

Coach Akhmedov, who hails from Uzbekistan, has an eye to spot talent. I remember he toured the North-East for three months in 2001 to scout for talent to play for the Indian Under-16 and U-19 teams.

And he had a personal request for me to try and organise a training camp for the juniors ahead of the Asian Junior finals in Germany. And the way I am, I tried to help and the camp happened.


The first meeting

I along with my friend Chris Punnakkattu Daniel organised the training camp for the India Under-17 national team at the Sports School in Hennef, south of Cologne in August 2002.

A top class facility which is used by Bundesliga clubs and Argentina stayed there during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Mangi was one of the 20 boys in the squad which came to Germany. A very nice boy, always spoke with respect to me, but sometimes a little shy.

I have to be honest (Sorry for this Mangi), he wasn't the most talented player in the squad; but someone who was always eager to learn more and develop further as a player.

In this squad Mangi was used as a defensive midfielder, mainly coming of the bench but by 2004 he had matured as a player and he went on to captain the India Under-20 squad.


The difficult times

After graduating from the Tata Football Academy in 2004 Mangi had a difficult time to make a name for himself in the Indian football circuit.

Mangi along with Habibur Rehman Mondal signed for Mohun Bagan AC that spring, but it turned out to be a circus as the players had unknowingly signed for the club. While Habibur was released to play for East Bengal, Mangi had to initially stay with Mohun Bagan before he went on loan to Dempo SC.

The next year he went to Mahindra United before signing for Sporting Clube de Goa in 2006. And it seemed another talent would go to waste with Mangi not getting any real chances to play for his clubs.

Then in the summer of 2006 Bob Houghton arrived in India and Mangi was drafted into the Olympic qualifier squad. Mangi was one of many boys that Bob gave a new lifeline.

He was transferred to Churchill Brothers SC in 2007 and he became a pillar for new coach Karim Bencharifa's young guns. And was a key player in last years I-League winning campaign.


Team India regular

Mangi first was a regular in the Under-23 squad for the 2006 Asian Games before Bob entrusted him to be a central defender in the senior national team.

Mangi became one of the key players in India's winning campaigns in the 2007 Nehru Cup, the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup and the 2009 Nehru Cup.

And as we look forward to the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, Mangi is set to play a crucial role at the heart of defensive against superior sides like South Korea, Australia and Bahrain.


All the best!

After the difficult start Mangi has achieved a lot in India. Now it is time to give it a try abroad. I prays for him that he makes it in Australia as it would not only be good for Mangi, but it could open the door to other Indian players to get offers from Down Under.