Manipur CM served as BSF constable in Jalandhar

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, March 20

N Biren Singh, country’s first sportsperson Chief Minister, was reportedly part of the BSF soccer team that won the Durand Cup by defeating Mohan Bagan in Jalandhar.

BSF DIG RS Kataria says: “I have been told by football coach Suraj Bhan Handa that Biren served here in 1981 and was an ace football player. I am also told that he was a cheerful, energetic jawan who had a short stint here. He was just 20 then.”

Another senior official said Biren was 18 when he was spotted by the BSF playing a football match in Imphal in 1979. “Recruited, he served the force representing its national football team for 14 years,” he said. The BSF personnel said there was an excitement about the development at the headquarters here. “We have begun keenly following the political activities of this ex-serviceman from our force through TV and newspaper reports,” he said.