Uttam Rai

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Uttam Rai

| image =

| fullname =

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1996|12|20|df=y}}

| birth_place = Chumbung, West Sikkim, India{{cite news|url=http://www.sportskeeda.com/football/bhaichung-bhutia-is-an-inspiration-india-u-16-striker-uttam-rai|first=Amoy|last=Ghoshal|title=Bhaichung Bhutia is an inspiration – India U-16 striker Uttam Rai|work=Sportskeeda|date=9 November 2012|access-date=2015-11-27|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208151819/http://www.sportskeeda.com/football/bhaichung-bhutia-is-an-inspiration-india-u-16-striker-uttam-rai|url-status=live}}

| height =

| currentclub = Sankata Boys

| clubnumber =

| position = Forward

| youthyears1 = 2007

| youthclubs1 = Namchi Football Academy

| youthyears2 = 2008–2009

| youthclubs2 = Air Force School

| youthyears3 = 2010–2012

| youthclubs3 = IMG Soccer Academy

| youthyears4 = 2013–2014

| youthclubs4 = Colorado Rush

| years1 = 2014–2016

| clubs1 = Dempo

| caps1 = 10

| goals1 = 2

| years2 = 2016

| clubs2 = Chennaiyin

| caps2 = 1

| goals2 = 0

| years3 = 2016–2017

| clubs3 = → Minerva Punjab (loan)

| caps3 = 4

| goals3 = 0

| years4 = 2017–2019

| clubs4 = Churchill Brothers

| caps4 = 17

| goals4 = 0

| years5 = 2019–2020

| clubs5 = Friends Club

| caps5 = 9

| goals5 = 4

| years6 = 2020–2021

| clubs6 = Garhwal

| caps6 = 5

| goals6 = 0

| nationalyears1 = 2010

| nationalteam1 = India U14

| nationalcaps1 =

| nationalgoals1 =

| nationalyears2 = 2011–2012

| nationalteam2 = India U16

| nationalcaps2 = 7

| nationalgoals2 = 8

| nationalyears3 = 2013–2015

| nationalteam3 = India U19

| nationalcaps3 = 3

| nationalgoals3 = 0

| club-update = 27 December 2021

| ntupdate =

| years7 = 2021

| clubs7 = Southern Samity

| caps7 = ?

| goals7 =

| years8 = 2021–

| clubs8 = Sankata Boys

| caps8 = 12

| goals8 = 5

}}

Uttam Rai (born 20 December 1996) is an Indian professional footballer who plays as a forward.{{cite web|url=https://www.soccer24.com/team/flatirons-rush/QRhAgMvh/transfers/|title=Player profile – Career stations – Statistics: Uttam Rai|website=soccer24.com|publisher=Soccer24|access-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315072406/https://www.soccer24.com/player/rai-uttam/2Nf7ACeN/|archive-date=15 March 2023}}{{Cite web|first=Abhishek|last=Ganguly|title=Comfortable win for Mohammedan Sporting in IFA Shield opener|department=Football News|newspaper=Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/comfortable-win-for-mohammedan-sporting-in-ifa-shield-opener/articleshow/79593906.cms|access-date=2020-12-07|language=en|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206134627/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/comfortable-win-for-mohammedan-sporting-in-ifa-shield-opener/articleshow/79593906.cms|url-status=live}} He previously appeared with both the Nepali Martyr's Memorial A-Division League clubs Friends Kopundole and Sankata Boys.[http://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/uttam-rai-on-a-goalscoring-run-in-nepal UTTAM RAI: ON A GOALSCORING RUN IN NEPAL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423133141/http://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/uttam-rai-on-a-goalscoring-run-in-nepal |date=23 April 2021 }}. Sikkim Express. Retrieved 10 September 2021.

Early career

Rai was born on 20 December 1996 in Chumbung, West Sikkim, India. In 2007 Uttam joined the Namchi Football Academy, under the Search for More Bhaichungs program,{{cite web|title=Chumbung's Uttam Rai listed among top 10 players to watch at Dallas Cup in USA|url=http://sikkimnow.blogspot.com/2012/03/chumbungs-uttam-rai-listed-among-top-10.html|work=Sikkim Now|date=17 March 2012|access-date=14 June 2012|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208235812/http://sikkimnow.blogspot.com/2012/03/chumbungs-uttam-rai-listed-among-top-10.html}} in which he played in the Subroto Cup for two years.{{cite web|last=Sengupta|first=Somnath|title=Indian Football: Profiling The Future – Uttam Rai|url=http://www.thehardtackle.com/2011/indian-football-profiling-the-future-uttam-rai/|work=The Hard Tackle|date=16 August 2011|access-date=14 June 2012|archive-date=20 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420023020/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2011/indian-football-profiling-the-future-uttam-rai/}} 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.

After the 2007 Subroto Cup, Uttam gained a scholarship for Air Force School Football Academy who are based in Delhi where he stayed for two years. While with Air Force Uttam played in the Subroto Cup and in the DSA School Level League. Uttam played in the Subroto Cup for three seasons scoring 32 goals.{{cite web|title=UTTAM RAI|url=http://www.liberosports.com/players/uttam-rai|work=Libero Sports|access-date=12 June 2012}} 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.{{cite web|last=Sarkar|first=Saikat|title=Following in Bhutia's footsteps|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/following-in-bhutias-footsteps/520824/|work=Indian Express|date=24 September 2009|access-date=14 June 2012|archive-date=16 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416123838/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/following-in-bhutias-footsteps/}} However, due to being unable to gain a work permit Uttam came back to India. After coming back to India, Uttam was selected for the India team to play in the Tata Tea Jago Re tournament and travelled with an U16 squad to play some matches and train in Arsenal Academy. While at the tournament Uttam played against Canada, South Africa and England in first few rounds. India were knocked out after losing 7-5, after a semi-final against Spain.

In 2010, Uttam gained a selection to join the IMG Soccer Academy in Bradenton, Florida, United States with 14 other players from the India U16s. In 2011, Uttam played in the Dallas Cup for the India U16s, but it ended early for him as he got injured. One year later after scoring six goals in only four games during the 2012 AFC U-16 Championship qualification Uttam was named as one of the Top 10 Players To Watch Out For during the 2012 Dallas Cup.{{cite web|last=Madaan|first=Sachin|title=Indian Football: The Future Looks Uttam For Rai As The Teenager Makes Waves Before The 2012 Dallas Cup|url=http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/indian-football-the-future-looks-uttam-for-rai-as-the-teenager-makes-waves-before-the-2012-dallas-cup/|work=The Hard Tackle|date=20 March 2012|access-date=14 June 2012|archive-date=21 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321040741/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/indian-football-the-future-looks-uttam-for-rai-as-the-teenager-makes-waves-before-the-2012-dallas-cup/}} However he did not score in any of the three matches for India during the Dallas Cup as India went 0–1–2.{{Cite web |url=http://www.dallascup.com/teams/38684592/43314388-38684632/TEAM.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=23 May 2015 |archive-date=2 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702165229/http://www.dallascup.com/teams/38684592/43314388-38684632/TEAM.html |url-status=dead }} In 2013–14, Rai appeared with USL League Two side Colorado Rush.{{cite web|url=https://www.soccer24.com/team/flatirons-rush/QRhAgMvh/transfers/|title=Flatirons Rush Soccer Club – Transfers|website=soccer24.com|publisher=Soccer24|access-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220181803/https://www.soccer24.com/team/flatirons-rush/QRhAgMvh/transfers/|archive-date=20 February 2023}}{{cite web|first=Arunava|last=Chaudhuri|title=Coke to sponsor teenager Uttam Rai's US training stint at Colorado Rush|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/indian-football/coke-to-sponsor-teenager-uttam-rais-us-training-stint-at-colorado-rush|website=Sportskeeda|date=6 November 2012|access-date=12 November 2021|archive-date=12 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112143235/https://www.sportskeeda.com/amp/football/coke-to-sponsor-teenager-uttam-rais-us-training-stint-at-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.{{cite web |author=Brendon Netto & Anselm Noronha |title=Dempo SC 1-1 Bengaluru FC: Both sides live to fight on the final day |url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/dempo-vs-bengaluru/1981072/report?ICID=MP_MS_5 |work=Goal.com |date=23 May 2014 |access-date=23 May 2014 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924143404/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/dempo-vs-bengaluru/1981072/report?ICID=MP_MS_5 |url-status=live }}

=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.{{cite web|url=https://goalnepal.com/province_3/news/12018|title=Sankata Club Announces Squad For Upcoming League Season|website=goalnepal.com|publisher=Goal Nepal|location=Kathmandu|first=Sandesh|last=Sigdel|date=12 November 2021|access-date=12 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112140533/https://goalnepal.com/province_3/news/12018|archive-date=12 November 2021}} He debuted on 20 November against Himalayan Sherpa Club, the match ended 1–1.[https://allevents.in/online/nepal-ice-himalayan-sherpa-vs-sankata/200021875199722 Nepal Ice Himalayan Sherpa Vs Sankata Boys] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123163349/https://allevents.in/online/nepal-ice-himalayan-sherpa-vs-sankata/200021875199722 |date=23 November 2021 }} allevents.in. Retrieved 23 November 2021. He scored a brace on 27 December in their 3–0 victory against Brigade Boys Club.{{cite web|url=https://m.facebook.com/101872782050413/posts/253496150221408/|title=Sankata Boys 3–0 Brigade Boys Club (27 December 2021)|access-date=28 December 2021|website=Facebook.com (Football Philosophers)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228083751/https://m.facebook.com/101872782050413/posts/253496150221408/|archive-date=28 December 2021}} He scored a total of 5 goals in 12 league matches for the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.hamrokhelkud.com/en/competition/1824/|title=Martyrs Memorial A Division League 2021/22 – 2078 Martyr's Memorial A-Division League|website=www.hamrokhelkud.com|publisher=Hamaro Khel Kud|access-date=7 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106200729/https://www.hamrokhelkud.com/en/competition/1824/|archive-date=6 January 2022}}

International career

Uttam made his country debut at the under-14 level for India in 2010 during the AFC U14 Football Festival. He then made his debut for the India U16 side on 1 October 2011 in the first match of the 2012 AFC U-16 Championship qualification against Kyrgyzstan and marked it off as he scored 5 goals during that match.{{Cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/joomleague/?view=report&compID=424&matchId=3962|title=The AFC|access-date=23 May 2015|archive-date=4 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204124018/http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/joomleague/?view=report&compID=424&matchId=3962|url-status=live}} Rai then scored again for the India U16s against Tajikistan on 7 October 2011 as India qualified for the 2012 AFC U-16 Championship.{{Cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/joomleague/?view=report&compID=424&matchId=3957|title=The AFC|access-date=23 May 2015|archive-date=3 February 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203171201/http://www.the-afc.com/en/component/joomleague/?view=report&compID=424&matchId=3957|url-status=live}}

Uttam was in the Indian U19 squad for the 2014 AFC U-19 Championship qualification in 2013 where he made 3 appearances.{{Cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/afcasfeeds?fixtureid=7558&stageid=293&tMode=C&view=ajax&show=matchsummary|title=The AFC|access-date=15 October 2015|archive-date=13 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713163939/http://www.the-afc.com/afcasfeeds?fixtureid=7558&stageid=293&tMode=C&view=ajax&show=matchsummary|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/afcasfeeds?fixtureid=7565&stageid=293&tMode=C&view=ajax&show=matchsummary|title=The AFC|access-date=15 October 2015|archive-date=13 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713164216/http://www.the-afc.com/afcasfeeds?fixtureid=7565&stageid=293&tMode=C&view=ajax&show=matchsummary|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/afcasfeeds?fixtureid=7566&stageid=293&tMode=C&view=ajax&show=matchsummary|title=The AFC|access-date=15 October 2015|archive-date=13 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713163711/http://www.the-afc.com/afcasfeeds?fixtureid=7566&stageid=293&tMode=C&view=ajax&show=matchsummary|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|last=Ghoshal|first=Amoy|title=Bhaichung Bhutia is an inspiration – India U-16 striker Uttam Rai|url=http://www.sportskeeda.com/football/bhaichung-bhutia-is-an-inspiration-india-u-16-striker-uttam-rai|work=Sportskeeda|access-date=23 May 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208151819/http://www.sportskeeda.com/football/bhaichung-bhutia-is-an-inspiration-india-u-16-striker-uttam-rai|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Madaan|first=Sachin|title=Uttam Rai, India U-16 Sikkimese Phenomenon: THT Exclusive Interview|url=http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/uttam-rai-india-u-16-sikkimese-phenomenon-tht-exclusive-interview/|work=The Hard Tackle|date=8 June 2012|access-date=23 May 2015|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305010210/http://www.thehardtackle.com/2012/uttam-rai-india-u-16-sikkimese-phenomenon-tht-exclusive-interview/|url-status=live}}

Career statistics

{{updated|29 May 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/uttam-rai/401435/|title=India - U. Rai - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112053205/http://int.soccerway.com/players/uttam-rai/401435/|url-status=live}}

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|Federation Cup !colspan="2"\|Durand Cup !colspan="2"\|AFC !colspan="2"\|Total
class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan="2"\|Dempo \|2014–15 \|I-League	2	1	0	0	0	0	—	—	2	1
2015–16 \|I-League 2nd Division	8	1	—	—	—	—	—	—	8	1
colspan="3"\|Career total !10	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	10	2

Honours

Dempo

I-League 2nd Division: 2015–16[http://i-league.org/second-division-league/results-fixtures-2nd-division/ Results & Fixtures: 2nd Division I-League 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190318210756/http://i-league.org/second-division-league/results-fixtures-2nd-division/ |date=18 March 2019 }} i-league.org. Retrieved 1 March 2021

India U16