Sikkim’s football veteran Thupten Rapgyal dies at 66
First Published: 8th June, 2023 12:01 IST
The former veteran Footballer cum coach and mentor had groomed two generations of Sikkim footballers and many of them have joined top football clubs of India, and also the National
Thupten Rapgyal, former footballer of Sikkim who represented the state in the first ever Santosh Trophy National Football tournament held at Patna in 1976, passed away today at the age of 66. One of the finest sports personalities of Sikkim who became popular as ‘Thupten Sir’ because of his perfect knowledge in theories and practical in various games, the former veteran footballer cum coach and mentor, Rapgyal had groomed two generations of Sikkim footballers and many of them have joined top football clubs of India, and also the National football team.
Thupten Rapgyal was born on 24th October 1957 to late Gompo Gyaltsen and late Ugen Lhamu at Lhasa, Tibet. He completed his schooling from St. Joseph’s Academy (Dehradun) in the year 1977. As a good sportsman, Thupten had decided to study in Physical Education from the Lakshimibai National College of Physical Education (LNCPE), Gwalior (MP), and completed the Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE) in the year 1983. After graduation in Physical Education, he further proceeded to Bengaluru for doing Diploma in football coaching from NSNIS (Bengaluru) for mastering the Scientific Coaching & Training in Football. He was the second person form Sikkim after Penpa Tshering Bhutia, retired Sr. Grade SAI Coach from Sikkim who had obtained the prestigious Coaching Diploma in Football from Bengaluru at that time.
Rapgyal represented the Jiwaji University in All India Inter-University Hockey Tournament in 1980-81. He was awarded the meritorious service award by the Government of Sikkim in 2011. He also received Letter of Appreciation from the SFA in 2009, Sikkim Police in 2004, Boys’ Club in 2014, Health Department in 2016, Akraman Football Club, NDFA & ITBP in 2017, and PFA in 2019.
He played a key role in Sikkim Premier League (SPL 2023).
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Manipur: Fresh Drone Bomb Attacks Reported from Kangchup Hills in Imphal West
15th January 2025
Live CM N. Biren Chairs High-Level Meeting to Address Loktak Lake’s Preservation Challenges
15th January 2025
Live Alliance Air Caps Fares to Manipur at Rs 5000 a Ticket, CM Biren Singh Hails Decision
15th January 2025
Live Guwahati Shocker: Man Killed by Friends After Party, 4 Arrested
15th January 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Ed Sheeran Performance Row in Sikkim: CAP Questions CM’s Claims Amid Growing Debate
The initial announcement of Ed Sheeran’s potential involvement had sparked heated debates, with opposition parties accusing the government.
13th January 2025
Sikkim CM Announces Dzongu to Become Free Wi-Fi Zone
The announcement follows the successful implementation of a similar initiative in Rabdang village in the Singtam-Khamdong constituency.
13th January 2025
Chewabhanjyang Road Connecting Sikkim to Nepal to be Ready This Year: Minister NB Dahal
The strategic route, once operational, will bolster cross-border trade and tourism with Nepal.
10th January 2025
Sikkim: Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Traffic Movement on Several Routes. Check Details Here
Authorities have cancelled all advance permits for JN Road as a precaution
08th January 2025
Body of Sikkim Youth Missing Since Jan 5, Found
The deceased, identified as Prajal Pradhan, went missing after attending the ‘YAA Festival' in Sikkim’s Soreng district.
07th January 2025