Shillong, Jan 18: Aibok Kharpran, a former footballer and coach, has passed away.
Kharpran was associated with Shillong Lajong FC for a considerable length of time, having played for them since 2001 before becoming part of the technical team that saw the club become the first from the North East to qualify for the I-League in 2009.
The following year he travelled with the U-15 team to the United Kingdom when Lajong qualified for the Manchester United Premier Cup.
He was also an assistant to coach Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet when Lajong won the national U-17 Youth League in 2017-2018.
Together the two had represented Meghalaya at the youth and senior levels as footballers, with Nongbet remembering him as “one of those dashing strikers up front”.
“I am deeply saddened by his untimely demise. He was a good friend and colleague at the club… I’m so sad at the moment to realise that he is gone. I will really miss him and will always be so appreciative of his contribution to the club and to me personally,” Nongbet added. “He was a good coach, kindhearted and motivating and the state will miss a thorough, dedicated person in the field of sports and his contribution will never be forgotten.”
Lajong also sent their deepest condolences to Kharpran’s family on bahalf of all the players, coaching team and staff.
(Photo contributed)
