By Our Reporter
Shillong, May 31: An Asian Football Confederation/All India Football Federation (AFC/AIFF) Goalkeeping A Diploma coaching course 2024-25 concluded on Friday in Shillong.
Hosted by the Meghalaya Football Association, the course began on 21 May with 14 experienced participants undertaking the training. The coaches, including celebrated goalkeepers of years gone by, comprised Mohammed Yusuf Ansari, Harry Benny C, Sandip Nandy, Chandan B Rathod, Manu Patricio, Jasmeet Singh, Hameed KK, Sugitesh Mandrekar, Abhijit Mondal, Lalit Thapa, Jignesh Antala, Vinay Singh, Rafael Gracio and Subhasish Roy Chowdhury.
The instructors were Gumpe Rime and Dinesh Nair. Also present on the final day were MFA Vice-Presidents Cliff Nongrum and Hering Shangpliang and MFA Executive Member Freddy Kharpran, among others. This course covers a specialised aspect of working with goalkeepers. The course focuses on analysing and working with a goalkeeper and players in a game, set plays, working with the chief coach, coaching staff and talent identification, according to the AIFF website.
The conclusion of the AFC/AIFF Goalkeeping A Diploma coaching course in Shillong marks not just the end of an intensive five-day programme, but the beginning of a vital chapter in India’s football coaching ecosystem—particularly in the often-overlooked art of goalkeeping. In a country where football continues to grow steadily and find its footing in the global landscape, specialised coaching at this level is more than a technical exercise; it is an investment in the game’s future.What made this edition of the course particularly significant was the presence of former stalwarts of Indian football, including national team icons like Sandip Nandy, Abhijit Mondal, and Subhasish Roy Chowdhury.
These are names that once commanded the last line of defence for club and country, and their decision to now transition into coaching roles speaks volumes of their commitment to giving back to the game that shaped them. Their experience, wisdom, and on-field insight—when paired with the modern methodologies taught by seasoned instructors like Gumpe Rime and Dinesh Nair—ensure that the next generation of goalkeepers will not only be better trained but also better understood.
In a broader sense, the course reflects how Indian football is maturing. Goalkeeping, once seen as a reactive role, is now rightly being recognised as a specialised craft requiring tailored training and nuanced development. This shift in mindset is critical as India looks to compete more consistently at continental and global levels. The presence of the Meghalaya Football Association as hosts and their active involvement on the final day only reaffirms the state’s growing role as a nurturing ground for footballing talent and technical education in the Northeast.
As the participants return to their respective states and institutions, they carry with them more than just a certificate—they carry the responsibility of shaping, mentoring and inspiring the custodians of tomorrow.