Imphal, Aug 2: Less than four years after its formation, FC Raengdai has emerged as one of Indian football’s newest success stories. The Manipur club from Noney district announced its arrival on the national stage by winning its debut match in the 135th Durand Cup, becoming one of the tournament’s biggest early talking points.
The club, which represents the Zeliangrongpui community, defeated Indian Navy 1-0 at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal on Thursday to mark a memorable beginning to its first-ever Durand Cup campaign.
For many, the victory was more than just three points. It was another milestone in a journey that has transformed a young club into one of the fastest-rising teams from the North East.
A club with a purpose
Founded in November 2022, FC Raengdai was established with the aim of providing footballers from Noney and neighbouring Tamenglong districts a pathway to higher levels of the game.
General secretary Napoleon Rongmei said talented footballers had always existed in the region but lacked a stable club capable of competing beyond district tournaments.
The club’s name, “Raengdai”, comes from the Zeliangrongpui word for the hornbill, a bird that symbolises leadership, courage, loyalty and unity within the community.
Rapid rise through Indian football
FC Raengdai’s progress has been swift.
The club won the Manipur Premier League before earning promotion from I-League 3 to I-League 2 after finishing runners-up last season, becoming the first tribal club from Manipur to reach the country’s second-tier league.
Head coach Birbal Singh Kshetrimayum credited the achievement to discipline, teamwork and a long-term vision rather than relying on short-term success.
Instead of recruiting foreign players for immediate results, the club chose to build around a young Indian core capable of growing together over several seasons.
Dream debut in Durand Cup
Drawn alongside Indian Navy, TRAU FC and NEROCA FC in Group D, FC Raengdai faced a stern test in its opening match against last year’s Durand Cup quarter-finalists.
The two sides were evenly matched for much of the contest before the breakthrough arrived shortly after the interval.
Mridul Doley won possession high up the pitch before driving into the penalty area. Although his initial attempt did not produce a clean finish, substitute Khaidem Amarjit Singh was perfectly positioned to convert into an empty net for the club’s first-ever Durand Cup goal.
Doley described the goal as one of the biggest moments of his career.
“It was my first time playing in the Durand Cup, and it’s also FC Raengdai’s first appearance in the tournament, so it makes the moment even more special,” he said.
Carrying the hopes of a community
For midfielder Tingkaochun Gangmei, the journey began on improvised football grounds in Khoupum Valley, where children would turn harvested paddy fields into football pitches.
After progressing through school football and the Reliance Foundation Youth League, joining FC Raengdai in 2023 became the turning point in his career.
“My football journey started on the local grounds in Khoupum Valley, where I spent most of my childhood playing with friends after school,” Gangmei said. “Those small grounds are where I first fell in love with the game.”
Pride beyond the result
Nearly 18,000 spectators witnessed FC Raengdai’s historic victory in Imphal, while many supporters in Noney followed the match on mobile phones from home.
Rongmei said defeating an experienced Indian Navy side was a proud moment for the young club while expressing respect for the Armed Forces and gratitude to the Durand Cup for providing clubs like FC Raengdai the opportunity to compete on a prestigious stage.
Bigger challenges ahead
There is little time for celebration as FC Raengdai now prepares for a crucial Group D clash against fellow Manipuri side TRAU FC.
Coach Kshetrimayum acknowledged the unique pressure that comes with a local derby but urged his players to remain mentally strong and continue playing with the same discipline and confidence that earned them victory in their tournament debut.
Regardless of what happens next, FC Raengdai has already demonstrated that clubs from smaller districts can compete with some of the country’s established teams. Their rise from a newly formed club in 2022 to I-League 2 promotion and a winning start in the Durand Cup has made them one of the most compelling football stories to emerge from the North East in recent years.
