Imphal: Manipur Gorkha Community Israel successfully organized the 1st Martyr Subedar Niranjan Singh Chhetri Memorial Trophy on 13th & 14th February 2026 in Tel Aviv, Israel, in honor of the bravery and sacrifice of Subedar Niranjan Singh Chhetri.
Subedar Niranjan Singh Chhetri, the first Indian Gorkha soldier to attain martyrdom, was hanged to death by the British at Kangla Fort in 1891 along with Yuvraj Tikendrajit Singh for their role in defending Manipur during the Anglo-Manipur War. His courage, loyalty, and sacrifice remain a lasting symbol of pride for the Gorkha community and the people of Manipur.
The tournament was graced by Bipin Tamang Ji, social worker in Israel, as the Chief Guest, who was accompanied by MGCI President Deepesh Chhetry. Nine teams from India and Nepal, currently working in Israel, participated. Manipur Gorkha FC and United Darjeeling FC reached the final, where Manipur Gorkha FC emerged victorious with a 1–0 win. The final goal was scored by Ajoy Basnet, who was also named Man of the Match.
Manipur Gorkha FC – Player List:
Kushal Rai (GK), Ricky Katwal (C), Saimon Naidu, Kamal Poudel, Robin Gurung, Manoj Khatri, Ajoy Basnet, Sanjay Bista, Pradeep Khatiwoda, Sandeep Bhattarai, Chandan Thapa, Suraj Chhetry, Robin Poudel
Coach: Deepak Mishra | Manager: Rabin Dahal
United Darjeeling FC – Player List:
Sagar Lepcha (GK), Sagar Rai (C), Dawa Tamang, Ajay Subba, Urbanus Lepcha, Ratan Gurung, Parag Rai, Ripden Lepcha, Omden Lepcha, Chirag Subba, Shiva Lepcha, Satish Rai, Gautam Chhetri
Coach: Riwaj Gurung | Manager: Janak Sharma
Awards:
• Winner – Manipur Gorkha FC: Trophy, Medals, Memento, Certificates, Cash 10,000 Shekels
• Runner-up – United Darjeeling FC: Trophy, Medals, Memento, Certificates, Cash 5,000 Shekels
• Best Disciplined Team – Jhapa FC Israel: Trophy, Memento, Certificates, Cash 1,000 Shekels
Individual Awards:
• Best Defender: Sagar Rai – United Darjeeling FC
• Top Scorer: Vivek Chhetri – Lion Tel Aviv FC
• Best Goalkeeper: Kushal Rai – Manipur Gorkha FC
• Best Player: Chandan Thapa – Manipur Gorkha FC
All teams were felicitated with mementos and certificates. The tournament concluded peacefully, reflecting the true spirit of sportsmanship. As sports bring us together in brotherhood, unity, and peace, we sincerely hope and pray that Manipur too will soon witness lasting peace and harmony. Though we are far from home, our hearts remain connected, and we continue to appeal for an end to the conflict and a return to normalcy in our beloved la
