NEROCA FC celebrates diamond jubilee foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 27 2025: North Eastern Re-Organising Cultural Association (NEROCA) Football Club today observed its diamond jubilee foundation day celebration in a solemn function held at its ground at Sangakpham.

The celebration was attended by former Chief Minister and former president of the club, N Biren as chief guest; NEROCA FC president and MLA of Wangkhei Assembly Constituency, Th Arunkumar as functional president; MLA Lamlai AC and former NEROCA FC player Kh Ibomcha, and former president and Managing Director of Babina Diagnostics, Dr Th Dhabali as guests of honour.

NEROCA FC celebrates diamond jubilee foundation day

Paying tribute to the late club functionaries, donors and reaching out to their family members with presents were the highlight of the observance.

Speaking at the occasion, N Biren took note of the hardworks and efforts put in by local football enthusiasts to bring NEROCA FC to the current stature.

Notably, NEROCA FC, founded in 1965 is the first professional football club from Manipur to qualify for LLeague during the 2016-17 season by securing the I-League 2nd Division title.

They also emerged runners up in the debut I-League season.

The club is a formidable force in the domestic circuit and had won many prestigious local tournaments including CC Meet on multiple occasion.

Following its relegation from the I-League 2023-24 season amidst the ethnic clash in the State, the club now play in the I-League 2 .

Speaking at the occasion, N Biren highlighted the Government's initiatives to promote football in the state, including allocating Rs 1 crore for I-League teams in the budget and introducing incentive schemes to support national and international players.

During his tenure, funds were sanctioned for developing 7 out of 11 international-class grounds.

However, NEROCA FC couldn't benefit from this initiative due to "land constraints and disputes", he observed.

He also emphasized the importance of putting aside differences and working collaboratively to achieve holistic development in the State.