This Singh With The Ball is From Manipur

By Laisram Indira

Moirangthem Gouramangi Singh

With his golden hair and Asian features, Moirangthem Gouramangi Singh, looks anything but Punjabi.

But as news of India’s national football player coming for a trial run with Melbourne Heart FC reached, his manager Lyndon Miranda says there were calls from Punjabi communities wanting to felicitate the footballer, thinking he was from Punjab. The Singh in his name did the trick.

Few in India know that Meiteis from Manipur have the Singh as their surname too. Of course, Singh or Mangi, as he is popularly known, was welcomed by the Manipuri diaspora in Melbourne.

Though the star defender failed to secure a contract with Australian A-League club Melbourne Heart FC, he said this was just one of the first trials and he has years ahead of him.

In fact, he goes back to India to fly straight to Portugal where he would be joining the rest of the Indian team for the Asia Cup training.

Mangi completed an extended trial with the Club, travelling to the Gold Coast as part of Heart’s pre-season training camp, impressing with his professionalism and driven approach.

His dedication earned him a starting berth against Brisbane Roar, playing the full 90 minutes in the Heart's second-ever match.

‘‘I will certainly look forward to watching Mangi taking to the field in Qatar when India face the Qantas Socceroos during the upcoming Asian Cup and we will certainly continue to track his progress and that of other Indian footballers,’’ said Miranda.