Yet another feather in Gouramangi Singh's cap

Well-known figure

Puskur also expressed his happiness in Gouramangi's appointment.

"Gouramangi is a well known name in Indian football who needs no introduction. In our club's philosophy, we've always looked to promote up and coming coaching talent as part of the individual development we focus upon, and Gouramangi is no exception to that," he said.

Decorated footballers

"The head coach and I spoke to him in detail and we felt he'd be a good cultural and coaching fit to the team. His vast experience in Indian football in various roles will be a significant asset to the Head Coach's backroom staff and I'm sure with his addition, the players in the squad will also benefit from his presence and playing experience."

A product of the Tata Football Academy, Gouramangi played for some of the biggest football clubs in the country during his 15-year-long career. He is also one of the most decorated Indian footballers since the turn of the millennium, having won nearly every club trophy in India.

AIFF honour

While at Dempo SC, Singh lifted the National Football League (NFL) and the Federation Cup in the 2004-05 season. The following year, he repeated the feat with Mahindra United. Between 2007 and 2012, the centre-back played for Churchill Brothers, with whom he won an I-League (2008-09), two IFA Shields (2009 and 2011) and two Durand Cups (2009 and 2011). He was also adjudged the Best Defender of the I-League in their title-winning season.

In 2010, Gouramangi was named AIFF's Best Men's Player of the Year. Four years later, he made his ISL debut with Chennaiyin FC. The Manipur-based footballer was also a part of one of the most successful Indian national squads in recent history, winning the Nehru Cup twice (2007 and 2009), and the AFC Challenge Cup and SAFF Cup in 2008. Overall, he has made over 70 appearances for the Blue Tigers.

Coaching credentials

In 2018, he turned to coaching full-time after hanging up his boots. An AIFF A License holder since 2019, the 36-year-old worked as the assistant coach of Bengaluru United in the past three seasons. Gouramangi played an important role in FCBU's back-to-back success in the BDFA Super Division League, where they won the title in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons beating the likes of Bengaluru FC.

With him in the coaching team, the club also reached the semifinals in their maiden Durand Cup campaign last year. With the Gaurs, he will be working under Spaniard Pena.