Pem Dorji

Pem Dorji was an Indian former footballer from Sikkim who played as a defender and represented the India national football team in international tournaments including the 1984 Asian Cup. He also played for the major Calcutta clubs Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting.

Early life and career
Born in 1959 in a small hamlet of Ben in South Sikkim to parents Ganesh Kumari Gurung and Gyampu T Chingapa, Pem Dorji completed his education from Scottish University Mission Institute (SUMI) in Kalimpong and later from Pelling Senior Secondary School in West Sikkim. From his early childhood days, Dorji started playing football.

His passion for the game made him the part of the first Sikkimese football team which played at the National Championship at Coimbatore in 1976. The game passaged his entry towards the world of football as a professional player. Dorji played predominantly as a defender and midfielder and scripted many memorable performances during a career which stretched almost for a decade.

Club career
Dorji started to play for the renowned football club of India, Mohammedan Sporting Kolkata from 1980 and in 1982 in Calcutta Football League and won the league in 1981.

Dorji dawn with colours for various clubs including Mahendra Police Club of Nepal, Kolkata-giants East Bengal Club and Mohun Bagan AC alongside Food Corporation of India.

He was also an important part of the Sikkim football team during their Santosh Trophy campaigns.

Personal life
Dorji was married to Pushpa Yonzon and the couple have two children Zennyla Bhutia and Marco Bhutia.

Dorji died at a age of 42. He was battling with cancer for long. An incurable disease took his last breath in a nursing home in Calcutta, on 18 October 2001.

International career
He became the first Sikkimese to captain the India national football team in the Pre-Olympic tournament held in Malaysia. Gradually, Dorji represented India in various International matches. He played at the Chinese Great Wall Cup in 1984, and won the prestigious medal for the country.

He later represented India at the South Asian Football Federation Games and further played the famous AFC Asian Cup at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in 1988. Dorji represented India in the Jawaharlal Nehru Gold Cup in 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988 alongside Bangladesh President's Gold Cup at Dhaka in 1983, 1984 and 1987.

Honours
Mohammedan Sporting
 * Calcutta Football League: 1981
 * Rovers Cup: 1980; Runner-up 1981 & 1982
 * Federation Cup: Runner-up 1981–82
 * IFA Shield: Runner-up 1982
 * DCM Trophy: Runner-up 1982

Individual
 * Roll of Honour by the Government of Sikkim in 2002.