Khaimingthang Lhungdim signs three-year contract extension with Punjab
Mohali, June 18
Indian Super League side Punjab FC has signed a three-year contract extension with defender Khaimingthang Lhungdim ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 season.
Lhungdim has been a part of the Punjab FC setup since joining from NEROCA FC ahead of the I-League 2022-23 season. Having arrived during the club's I-League (now known as Indian Football League) campaign, the defender has been part of the club's journey over the past four seasons. He was part of the historic I-League winning side, which became the first team to gain promotion to the Indian Super League.
Since joining the Shers, Lhungdim has made 85 appearances across all competitions, contributing one goal and seven assists. A versatile defensive presence, he has featured regularly for the club in domestic competitions and was among Punjab FC's captains during the 2025-26 Indian Super League season.
The defender made 12 appearances in the ISL during the 2025-26 campaign, continuing to provide experience and leadership within the squad.
Speaking on his contract extension, Khaimingthang Lhungdim said, "I just want to say that this feels like home. I have grown so much as a player and as a person during my four years here at Punjab FC.
Some of the best moments of my life have come at this Club - winning the I-League and making my ISL debut. I feel immense pride every time I wear this shirt. And still, I feel there is so much more to be done. Our best days lie ahead of us. That's why I'm staying."
Having been part of the club's progression from its I-League days to the Indian Super League, Khaimingthang will continue to bring experience and continuity to the squad as Punjab FC prepares for the upcoming seasons.
Founded in 2020, Punjab FC made its debut in the I-League in the 2020-21 season. Punjab FC won the I-League in the 2022-23 season and were promoted to the ISL in the next season. In the recently concluded 2025-26 season, Punjab FC finished 14th in the ISL.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good stability move for Punjab FC. 85 appearances is solid commitment. But 14th place finish last season? They need more than just extensions—they need quality reinforcements and tactical changes.
"Best days lie ahead" - love that attitude! 🏆 Happy to see ISL clubs investing in players who've been part of their journey from I-League days. Northeast players are truly making their mark.
Interesting to see how Punjab FC continues to build. Lhungdim seems like a quality character. But finishing 14th in a 14-team league is concerning. Hope this extension isn't just about comfort but about rebuilding.
Good for local football development. Players from smaller towns like Manipur getting recognition. But 12 ISL appearances in a season isn't great for a starting center-back. Need more game time to improve.
Nice to see loyalty in football! He clearly loves the club. But with the team struggling in ISL, is this the right move? Punjab need defenders who can start consistently, not just squad players.
Khaimingthang has been a pillar since I-League days. These are the stories that Indian football needs—players growing with a club
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