Seventeen-year-old Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Indian football after an outstanding campaign in the 2024-25 edition of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). (More Football News)
Representing Classic Football Academy, the speedy forward was instrumental in guiding his team to a runner-up finish, losing only to the heavyweight Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the final.
Rishi Ningthoukhongjam impressed throughout the tournament with his dazzling pace, close ball control, and finishing ability in the final third. His consistent performances earned him a spot among the 35 probables for the Indian U-19 national team ahead of the SAFF U-19 Championship, set to be held in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh, from May 9 to 18.
Remarkably, he is one of seven players from Classic FA included in the probables list, a testament to the academy's strong developmental framework.
Classic FA had a stellar run in RFDL, topping the Rest of India group in the Regional Qualifiers and finishing second in the National Group Stage. Though they were convincingly beaten 3-0 by MBSG in the final, the team left a mark on Indian youth football.
Classic FA head coach Chandam Chitrasen Singh singled out Rishi as one to watch: “RFDL has helped provide a ground for the player display their talent. It라이브 바카라 been very good for the players to gain some experience from this tournament and improve themselves.
"There are several players from my team who have made a mark for themselves through our runners-up finish in the RFDL. But, if I had to take one name who is primed to succeed, it will be Rishi. He has shown great talent and a willingness to work hard. I think he will be a great asset for the national team moving forward,” Classic FA head coach Chandam Chitrasen Singh said during the tournament.
Despite the heartbreak in the final, Rishi Ningthoukhongjam remains focused and hungry. “The Reliance Foundation Development League is a highly encouraging tournament. We have learned tremendously from the competition. We worked so hard, but eventually ended up losing in the final. My learning from the season has been to develop a winning mentality,” Rishi Ningthoukhongjam remarked.
