Tura, October 27: The Meghalaya Blind Football Association (MBFA) felicitated international blind footballer Klingson D. Marak following his return from Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where he represented India at the 5th Asian Para Games.
The felicitation programme was held in Tura, West Garo Hills, on Monday, with Meghalaya State Paralympics Association General Secretary Joannes J.T.L. Lamare attending as the chief guest.
Former Deputy Director of the Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Department Jasper P. Marak, Director of Monfort Centre for Education, Tura, Brother P.J. Philip, along with family members and other dignitaries, were also present.
Born on January 8, 1993, at Rongsepgre in South West Garo Hills, Klingson is the third son of Subendro Rema and late Killine D. Marak. He lost his eyesight at the age of seven but continued his education at the Monfort Centre for Education in Tura.
His journey in blind football began to take shape in 2014 when he met Sunil J. Mathew, Sporting Director of the Indian Blind Football Federation (IBFF), during a visit to Monfort School in Tura.
Recognising his footballing talent, Mathew took him to Kochi, where Klingson underwent three years of specialised training before earning a place in the Indian blind football team.
Since then, he has represented India in several international tournaments, including the IBSA Asian Blind Football Championship in Tokyo, the Paralympics Qualifiers in 2019, the IBSA World Grand Prix in Mexico in 2022, the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, and the Asian-Oceania Blind Football Championship in Osaka, Japan, in 2026.
His latest international appearance was at the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Apart from his international achievements, Klingson has made significant contributions to the development of blind football in Meghalaya.
Under his leadership, the Meghalaya blind football team emerged as national champions at the National Blind Football Championship held in Dehradun in 2025.
The team also secured the Indian Blind Football Premier League title in Ahmedabad in 2025 and finished as runners-up in the 2026 edition held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
In an effort to promote blind football and nurture emerging talent, Klingson has established the Garo Blind Football Club.
Through the club, he aims to identify, train and encourage visually impaired footballers from Meghalaya and the wider region, providing them with opportunities to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.
