Former Indian Football players paid their sincere condolences to their teammate Laishram Manitombi Singh’s demise, who they recall as the absolute fighter on the field. He was the part of that Indian team who lifted the LG Cup in Vietnam.
He was also the member of the Indian team who played at Asian Games in 2002 in Busan. His death has completely shattered all Indian fans and ex-players, as he passed away at the age of 39.
“I was really shocked to hear of his death. He was such an asset to Indian football,” his former India teammate and current national team assistant coach Venkatesh Shanmugam was quoted as saying by the-aiff.com.
Former Indian Defender Debjit Ghosh who played with him in the national team as well as for the same club Mohun Bagan. He also captained him during their club days in Mohun Bagan. He described Manitombi as the raw talent during his early days of National Football League.
“I was very surprised to hear that he had passed away. We could all do with some good news this year, and this was certainly not one of them. He was a dear friend off the pitch,” said Ghosh.
“I had captained him back in my Mohun Bagan days, and he’s the kind of youngster you’d want to have under your command. I remember, I used to always bark out instructions to my fellow defenders on the pitch, and Manitombi carried them out to perfection. He was a true warrior,” Ghosh recalled.
Ex Indian Player Renedy Singh who played with him for Mohun Bagan and national team described him as a thorough professional and someone who performed with the best of his ability in crucial matches for India. He also talked about playing under his leadership when they both were playing for Mohun Bagan.
He also served as a coach for Anouba Imagi Mangal in the 2015-16 season. As he died in Imphal on Sunday but the cause of his illness is not yet disclosed by his family members.
