London, Aug 17; At the Premier League Next Generation Cup, Manglenthang Kipgen stood out as one of Punjab FC’s brightest talents. His performances were pivotal in securing victories against top-tier teams like Everton and Aston Villa, with Kipgen emerging as the highest Indian goalscorer of the tournament.
After Punjab FC’s historic 2-0 win over Aston Villa, Kipgen, filled with emotion, spread his arms wide and looked up to the sky in gratitude. The applause from his coach and teammates was a testament to his contribution in a match that marked a significant milestone for Indian football. Punjab FC Academy had not just competed but triumphed on foreign soil, defeating Everton 2-1 and Aston Villa 2-0.
Reflecting on these victories, Kipgen expressed his joy and the challenges faced. “The competition here is incredibly tough, and the players are of a different caliber. It’s all part of God’s plan. The experience has been invaluable, and I believe we’ll return stronger in the future,” he said.
Kipgen hails from Manipur, a state known for producing footballing greats like Gouramangi Singh and Ngangom Bala Devi. From a young age, football was his passion. “I started playing at six, often barefoot, with the unwavering support of my parents,” Kipgen shared. His journey took him to Punjab FC at 15, following a brief stint at FC Madras Academy. Over nearly a decade, Kipgen has brought numerous accolades to his club.
In 2022, he scored the winning goal in the JSW U-18 Youth Cup final, leading Punjab FC to a 2-1 victory over Reliance Development Young Champs. More recently, he played a key role in Punjab FC’s third-place finish at the Next Generation Cup, the first time an Indian club had outperformed Premier League academy sides.
Despite these achievements, Kipgen’s path hasn’t been without challenges. At the U-19 SAFF Championship last year, he spent most of the early games on the bench. However, in the semifinals against Nepal, he made an impact after coming on, scoring the winning penalty in a shootout victory. Kipgen’s momentum continued in the final against Pakistan, where he scored twice to secure a 2-1 win for India.
As he prepares for the SAFF U-20 Championships in Kathmandu, Nepal, starting August 18, Kipgen draws inspiration from Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri. “I look up to Chhetri bhai; his dedication is a constant motivation,” he said. Kipgen’s goal is clear: to lead India to victory and add another chapter to his burgeoning career.
With India drawn in Group B alongside Bhutan and Maldives, Kipgen is determined to replicate his previous successes and bring the trophy home. His journey mirrors that of Chhetri, who won the Player of the Tournament in his first SAFF Championship in 2011. Kipgen, who earned the same honor at the U-19 level last year, now aims to follow in Chhetri’s footsteps, with dreams of achieving even greater heights.