Shillong, Aug 16: Manbhakupar Malngiang and Banlamkupar Rynjah (pictured left and right) have both been selected in India’s U-17 men’s national football team, it was revealed today. This follows on from news that Lionel Daryl Rymmei was picked in India’s U-20 team.
The pair were included in the list of 31 probables that underwent selection at a camp in Srinagar. The U-17 national team will take part in the SAFF U-17 Men’s Championship 2024 in Bhutan in September and also participate in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Thailand in October. As part of the team’s preparations, the squad will travel to Bali to play two friendlies against Indonesia on 25th and 27th August.
Manbhakupar is registered with Lah Bet FC, which has a tie-up with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools. He already has national team experience, having been part of the Indian team that won the SAFF U-16 Championship final against Bangladesh in September last year.
Banlamkupar plays locally for Shillong Lajong FC, which described him as a forward, though the All India Football Federation has listed him among the midfielders.
The seven-nation SAFF tournament will be played in Bhutan from 18th to 28th September. India are clubbed with Maldives and Bangladesh in Group A, while Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are in Group B.
Once the SAFF campaign is over, the squad will continue to train in Srinagar for the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers to be played in October in Thailand.
India U-17 squad:
Goalkeepers: Rohit, Aarush Hari, Suraj Singh Aheibam
Defenders: Lekhachandra Phairembam, Mohammed Kaif, Yaipharemba Chingakham, Usham Thoungamba, Chingtham Renin Singh, Abdul Salha, Karish Soram, Jodric Abranches
Midfielders: Banlamkupar Rynjah, Mohammad Sami, Vishal Yadav, Manbhakupar Malngiang, Mohammad Arbash, Brahmacharimayum Sumit Sharma, Ngamgouhou Mate, NingthoukhongjamRishi Singh, Levis Zangminlun
Forwards: Prem Hansdak, Ahongshangbam Samson, Lairenjam Bharat, Hemneichung Lunkim
(File photos)
