Bengaluru: Janajit Thangjam, popularly known as Jona, a football coach, youth mentor and founder of the North East Youth Football Club (NEYFC), has been selected for the ‘Spirit of Football’ title at the Abhaya Bravery Award 2026 – Season 2. The award recognises his exceptional contribution to empowering youth from the North East through football, discipline and community development.
The award ceremony will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 5 pm onwards at the Alliance Française de Bangalore Auditorium, in association with the Bangalore Sports Lovers Association (BSLA) and Team Abhaya.
From Imphal to national football mentoring
Born in Imphal, Manipur, Janajit Thangjam hails from a family rooted in public service and education. His father, Th. Joykumar Singh, is a retired Chief Engineer from the Public Works Department, Manipur, while his mother Th. Khelpriya Devi is a homemaker. His siblings include an engineer sister, Jayalakshmi Thangjam, and an architect brother, Joyjit Thangjam.
Janajit completed his schooling at Mayo College, Ajmer, and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from BMS College of Engineering, Bengaluru. Despite a professional career in engineering and operations management, his passion for football continued to define his life’s purpose.
Sporting excellence from an early age
A multi-sport athlete in his school years, Janajit represented his institution at national-level tournaments. His achievements include podium finishes at All India Public School tournaments in hockey, football and basketball, along with recognition through the Sports Colours Award for excellence across all three disciplines.
He went on to play competitive league football under the Bangalore District Football Association (BDFA), representing clubs such as Gorkha Boys FC and Nationals FC, and later transitioning into team management and coaching roles.
Building NEYFC and empowering North East youth
In 2015, Janajit founded the North East Youth Football Club (NEYFC) in Bengaluru with a vision to provide structured football training and opportunities to underprivileged youth, particularly from the North East. Under his leadership, NEYFC has become a platform for young players to compete in KSFA Youth Premier League categories including U-17, U-18 and U-21.
A certified coach, Janajit holds an AIFF ‘D’ Licence and an AFC ‘C’ Licence, enabling him to train athletes at competitive and grassroots levels. His coaching journey includes stints as Head Coach for NEYFC Academy and Men’s C Division team, Jain Public School, JP Nagar, and Athena FC (KSFA Women’s B Division team).
Football for hope in conflict-hit regions
Beyond structured leagues, Janajit has led meaningful social initiatives using sport as a healing tool. Since October 2023, he has been organising the ‘Football for Hope’ campaign in relief camps across Manipur, reaching more than 300 children affected by displacement and unrest.
He has also conducted football development programmes at orphanages in Manipur and delivered specialised training sessions at Mayo College Girls’ School, Ajmer, alongside former Indian football captain Oinam Bembem Devi, an Arjuna and Padma Shri awardee.
Spirit of Football recognition
The ‘Spirit of Football’ honour at the Abhaya Bravery Award 2026 acknowledges Janajit Thangjam’s commitment to transforming passion into purpose—using football to instil discipline, unity, confidence and hope among young people.
According to the organisers, his work exemplifies how sport can become a powerful social instrument, particularly for youth from marginalised and conflict-affected regions.
Vision ahead
If given further opportunities to serve society, Janajit plans to expand football training for underprivileged children and provide talented players with pathways to train at NEYFC Academy and compete in organised leagues in Bengaluru.
His long-term objective remains clear: to use football as a force for positive change and nurture responsible, resilient and confident youth through sport.
