Aiborlang Khongjee


Aiborlang Khongjee is an Indian football player currently playing for Indian Super League club ATK as a defender, either as a centre back or as a right back.

Early life

Aibor, as he is affectionately called, belongs to a small town named Lyngkhat in East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya. Football was his love since school days. He had also played Subroto Cup for his school Raidlaban Higher Secondary School. After his Class X exams, he moved to Shillong to join the Sports Authority of India. He started watching international football, and soon became a fan of John Terry. He has been a fan of Chelsea. Among the Indian defenders, Mahesh Gawli has been his favourite. He left SAI in 2005, and joined the local team Shillong Lajong next year as a stopper back.

Career

East Bengal

In 2007, he was signed by Kolkata club East Bengal from Shillong Lajong. However, an injury-hit season meant that he got very few opportunities in the big club, and subsequently was sent back to his former club. However, Subrata Bhattacharya, the coach of the Red & Gold Brigade used Aiborlang as the side back for the first time.

Shillong Lajong

Having the experience of playing I-League for East Bengal, he was made the captain of the Shillong Lajong for the 2009-10 season, as they prepared for their I-League debut.
In the 2009-10 season, he had given the hosts an early lead from the spot kick against Mohun Bagan in the 54th minute, but later strikes from Chidi Edeh and Marcos Pereira meant the hosts lose 1-2.

Mohun Bagan

On 24 March 2013 in the 2012-13 I-League, he scored with a header on the 5th minute against Pailan Arrows, and then assisted Tolgay Özbey on the 19th minute.

Return to Shillong Lajong

In August 2014 Khonjee joined Shillong Lajong for the third time in his career.

Honors

Shillong Lajong

Khonjee is a member of the Khasi people.