Uttam Rai

Uttam Rai (born 20 December 1996) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a forward. He previously appeared with both the Nepali Martyr's Memorial A-Division League clubs Friends Kopundole and Sankata Boys.

Early career Rai was born on 20 December 1996 in Chumbung, West Sikkim, India. in which he played in the Subroto Cup for two years. His highlight of the tournament was when he scored four goals in only 35 minutes against Sri Vyas Vidya Mandir, a game Namchi won 13–0. He was then selected for the Subroto XI team which would tour Europe. While on tour Uttam received an offer from Swiss club Grasshopper Club Zürich who play in the Swiss Super League after Rai played two games against them for Subroto XI and scored three goals. However, due to being unable to gain a work permit Uttam came back to India. However he did not score in any of the three matches for India during the Dallas Cup as India went 0–1–2. In 2013–14, Rai appeared with USL League Two side Colorado Rush.

Club career

Dempo Rai made his professional début on 23 May 2015 as 73rd-minute substitute for Alwyn George in a match against Bengaluru FC. Just four minutes later he scored the equalizing goal in an eventual 1–1 draw after receiving a pass from fellow substitute Mandar Rao Desai.

Sankata Boys On 12 November 2021, Rai moved to Nepal again and signed with Sankata Boys S.C. for the 2021 Martyr's Memorial A-Division League season. He debuted on 20 November against Himalayan Sherpa Club, the match ended 1–1. He scored a brace on 27 December in their 3–0 victory against Brigade Boys Club. He scored a total of 5 goals in 12 league matches for the club.

International career Uttam made his country debut at the under-14 level for India in 2010 during the AFC U14 Football Festival. Rai then scored again for the India U16s against Tajikistan on 7 October 2011 as India qualified for the 2012 AFC U-16 Championship.

Uttam was in the Indian U19 squad for the 2014 AFC U-19 Championship qualification in 2013 where he made 3 appearances.

Personal life Rai was born in Namchi, Sikkim very close to the birthplace of his footballing idol Baichung Bhutia. He is also a fan of Spanish striker Fernando Torres and Barcelona.

Career statistics

Honours Dempo I-League 2nd Division: 2015–16

India U16 SAFF U-16 Championship runner-up: 2011