Football star of yesteryears S Ragui passes away
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 13 2011:
One of the pioneering figures in the game of football, at least in Manipur, Livingstone Ragui passed away today afternoon following a personal ailment at Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, Langol.
Long before Manipur started importing her players to the maidans of West Bengal, Goa, Punjab etc, Livingstone had already made a mark for himself as a clinical striker in Assam, representing Guwahati Town Club in 1967-68 .
His stint at the Assam Football League brought his natural flair and skill with the ball to the fore and he emerged the highest scorer of the season netting the ball 27 times.
A Golden Boot effort.
If hoodwinking the rival defenders and placing the ball into the net was his forte, Livingstone Ragui also displayed extraordinary athleticism and represented Guwahati University in disciplines as diverse and demanding as the 100 metres, high jump and long jump.
Livingstone Ragui went on to don the jersey of reputed teams like the then Team Zeliangrong and Nisa during his playing days.
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Along with another football giant of the time, Aleng Shimrah, Livingstone Ragui bedazzled the football fans of Nagaland participating in the Nagaland football league from 1971 to 1973 .
The teams he represented in Nagaland were as prominent as his skills and they included Nagaland Armed Police and PWD, Nagaland.
After he hung up his boots, Livingstone Ragui did not call it quits but continued his association with the "Beautiful Game" and contributed his mite for the development of the sport not only in Manipur but also in the entire North East region.
He was also closely associated with Ukhrul District Football Association, enrolling himself as a life member.
Fondly known as Stone in his native Ukhrul, Livingstone Ragui was rushed to Shija Hospitals in the morning of July 12 following complications of his health.
As his conditions worsened, he was put on life support at the hospital but all the efforts went in vain and he breathed his last today at 3.40 pm.
He was 63 and is survived by his wife, three sisters and a brother.
A short memorial service was held at the Nagaram residence of Ukhrul Assembly Constituency MLA Danny Shaiza and the mortal remains was then taken to his native place, Ukhrul.