Our Legends

Tajinder Kumar

Tajinder Kumar

The life story of Manjinder Singh has witnessed several twists and turns. However, he never looked back in the race of life. He faced every challenge with determination and emerged as a successful footballer and a coach who values the importance of human worth. He lives his life as a battle, embracing discipline, and serves as a source of inspiration for many. In fact, he and his entire family have been actively involved in the development and promotion of football, starting from his father, Chaudhary Ram Kishan Billa, to the present day in Mahilpur. His elder brother, Raj Kumar Bhola, who is also a footballer, collaborated with his teammates to establish the United Punjab Club in Mahilpur in 2013, and Manjinder was entrusted with coaching responsibilities alongside Coach Ali Hasan. Under their guidance, the club won the All India Principal Harbhajan Singh Football Tournament in 2014 and 2015. They also secured victory in the Shahid Azam Bhagat Singh Football Tournament during those years. Additionally, they finished as runners-up in the Fagwara Cup. The team emerged as champions in the All India Nohar Football Tournament in Rajasthan. They also clinched the Doaba Cup in 2016, showcasing their dominance. It is worth mentioning that the club won the 6-a-side Khidari Community Football Championship in 2015 and finished as runners-up in the 5-a-side championship in 2016, attaining success at the national level. His coaching prowess has brought numerous accolades.

He has been actively involved in football since 1992 until 1998 as a player for the J.C.T. Club. He represented the Punjab team five times and showcased his exceptional skills and performance in the Santosh Trophy tournament. In the years 1995, 1996, and 1997, the J.C.T. team emerged victorious in the Federation Cup. He was also part of the winning team in the Durand Cup in 1992 and 1996. They won the IFA Shield in 1996, the Rovers Cup in Mumbai in 1997, and the Seizer's Cup in 1996. His individual play and team's achievements have earned him the highest recognition in various competitions in India. In 1996, he played a significant role in the I-League, where his team performed exceptionally well. In the same year, the J.C.T. team secured the second position in the Inter Club International Tournament. With such remarkable accomplishments, a complete book could be written about Manjinder's journey in the Punjab-level tournaments. He has also obtained coaching and B-license from the All India Football Federation.

Chaudhary Ram Kishan, a famous footballer of his time, dedicated his entire family to the world of football. All three of his sons, Raj Kumar and Jagmohan Singh, followed in his footsteps and excelled in the field. They inherited their father's passion and skills from an early age and garnered several accolades under his guidance and the nurturing environment of their home. Ram Kishan himself scored 18 goals as a solo player in university competitions at a young age. Through regular practice sessions on the football field, they learned from each other's strengths and aspired to excel in the realm of sports. In the 1988-89 season, Ram Kishan participated in the Subroto Mukherjee Cup and emerged as the best player, earning him recognition and accolades. He continued to achieve significant milestones at Khalsa College, Mahilpur, where he stood out

from his peers. The relentless efforts of coaches Ali Hasan and Bandhan Singh shaped his performance in the Inter-University competitions, where he consistently outperformed others. In September 1992, he played the D.C.M. Football Cup with great pride and showcased his talent. In 1993, apart from the Santosh Trophy, he also participated in the Seizer Cup, Rovers Cup, and Durand Cup. With his remarkable performances in these prestigious competitions, he established his name in the football world. In November 1992, he represented Senior National Mizo-gram and Junior India teams during the camp held in Kolkata under the guidance of S. Major Singh and Billu.

Sukhwinder Singh, the coach, has made a significant contribution to elevating Manjinder's game to the international level. Despite staying in Veeshanu, he maintains good health and sports skills. The main reason for this is his excellent support, dedication, and determination. At first glance, he may not seem to have the impact of a talented footballer, but when seen on the field, he dazzles the spectators. On September 30, 1973, during a conversation about football, held in Mahilpur, he found his talent in football. He has a special enthusiasm for excelling in football and is prepared for it every moment. In reality, he has acquired these qualities from his hardworking parents, who have nurtured him to become a hero from zero in life. His marriage took place on July 3, 2009, with the best athlete of DAV College, Hoshiarpur, Seema Kumari, who efficiently manages all his activities. Nowadays, he has become the master of his own life and speech. His love for new cars and maintaining a stylish appearance has become an integral part of his life.