Ong Lepcha Explained

Ong Lepcha
Fullname:Ong Tshering Lepcha
Birth Date:14 April 1988[1]
Birth Place:Dzongu, Sikkim, India
Currentclub:Sikkim Himalayan
Clubnumber:13
Position:Forward
Years2:2009
Clubs2:Indian Nationals
Years3:2010
Clubs3:Bengal Mumbai
Years4:2010
Clubs4:Kenkre (loan)
Years5:2012
Clubs5:United Sikkim
Years6:2012–2013
Clubs6:Air India
Caps6:11
Goals6:1
Years7:2015–
Clubs7:Gangtok Himalayan
Nationalteam2:India U19

Ong Tshering Lepcha (born 14 April 1988 in Dzongu, Sikkim) is an Indian footballer who plays as a forward for Sikkimese Gangtok Himalayan SC.[2]

Career

Early career

Lepcha started his footballing career with Churchill Brothers S.C. on the I-League, however in 2007 Lepcha suffered a right knee injury after a harsh 50/50 tackle in a pre-season warm-up match.[3] As a result of the injury Lepcha was forced to sit-out of football for six months.[3] After spending time getting treatment in Mumbai Lepcha flew back to Goa to spend time at the club, off the field.[3] After six months on the side-lines Lepcha moved to Kolkata where he began his rehabilitation.[3]

After getting fully healed and released by Churchill Brothers Lepcha joined Indian Nationals FC of the I-League 2nd Division in 2009.[3] After spending one season at the club Lepcha signed for Bengal Mumbai FC who also play in the I-League 2nd Division but got loaned out to Kenkre FC for the 2010 I-League 2nd Division.[3] Lepcha then joined United Sikkim F.C. also of the I-League 2nd Division for a season and in his first season with the club, won them promotion to the I-League.[4]

Air India

Lepcha signed for Air India FC during the summer of 2012 and made his debut for the club on 26 August 2012 against Delhi United FC in the 2012 Durand Cup.[5] Ong Lepcha then helped Air India to win the tournament on 1 September 2012 when Air India defeated Dodsal F.C. in the final of the Durand Cup in which was Lepcha's first ever championship as a professional.[6] Lepcha then made his I-League debut for Air India on 7 October 2012 against Prayag United S.C. at the Salt Lake Stadium in which Lepcha played 54 minutes before being replaced by Abhishek Ambedkar; Air India lost the match 5–1.[7]

International

Lepcha has represented India at both the under-16 and under-19 levels and has also captained the team at both levels.[3]

Career statistics

Club

Statistics accurate as of 27 March 2013

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ong Lepcha. FootballZZ. 22 October 2012.
  2. Web site: United Sikkim FC pull off spectacular win in crucial Sikkim Premier League match. NE NOW NEWS. 11:14 am. 19 August 2018. 15 April 2022. nenow.in. North East Now. https://web.archive.org/web/20220415142201/https://nenow.in/north-east-news/united-sikkim-fc-pull-off-spectacular-win-crucial-sikkim-premier-league-match.html. 15 April 2022.
  3. Web site: In-waiting Bhaichung: Ong Tshering Lepcha- Coming back to form. ISikkim. 22 October 2012.
  4. Web site: Indian Football: Transfer Season 2012/13 - Version 1. Arunfoot. 22 October 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20130703003053/http://arunfoot.blogspot.com/2012/08/indian-football-transfer-season-201213.html. 3 July 2013. dead.
  5. Web site: Convincing win for Air India. The Hindu. 21 October 2012.
  6. Web site: Air India win Durand Cup. https://archive.today/20130103124019/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-02/top-stories/33548200_1_durand-cup-dodsal-mumbai-air-india. dead. 3 January 2013. The Times of India. 21 October 2012.
  7. Web site: Prayag United 5-1 Air India: Ranti Martins' hat-trick grounds the Airmen. Goal.com. 22 October 2012.