LUCKNOW, Feb. 13 -- In the jubilant aftermath of the Services football team's Santosh Trophy triumph in Dibrugarh, Assam, one name stood out -- Manoj Tamang. The Lucknow-born fitness coach played a key role in shaping the team's title-winning campaign. As the team's strength and conditioning coach, Manoj's training plans helped Services reach the peak of their physical fitness at the right time. The team combined tactical discipline with strong endurance and intensity to clinch the trophy. "I always wanted to play for India and hold the Santosh Trophy in my hands as a player during my playing days, but it didn't happen as my journey in sport was cut short due to a serious groin injury in 2016," said Manoj on Thursday. "It was a great moment for me when I lifted the trophy along with the team as the fitness coach of the side last week. I made sure that every player in the side remained fit, and I feel it's a big achievement for me," he added. Hailing from a family of Army men, Manoj, 32, is posted as a havildar in the Indian Army in Bengaluru. He was frustrated after his injury but chose to pursue physical conditioning. He completed his certification course from the Armed Forces Sports Medicine Centre in 2017. He later completed his AIFF D License in 2019, AIFF C License in 2023, and ASCA Level 1 Strength and Conditioning course in 2024. "Once I learnt about the injury prevention measures, I started enjoying my profession, and even now when I see all my players fully fit for the match, I feel happy about my passion for the game," he said. Manoj's journey in football began early. Selected in 2005 for the Army Boys Sports Coy (11 GRRC), he made an immediate impact. By 2006, he won the 'Outstanding Player Award' at the Subroto Cup U-14. In 2007, he played in the U-16 Sub-Junior Nationals. He attended India camps for U-14 and U-16 in 2008 and featured in the 2009 Arsenal Cup U-17 campaign with School India in London. He was inducted into the Army in 2011, later representing the Centre Football Team (2013) and Army Green Team (2017). After transitioning into coaching, Manoj joined 11 GRRC Boys Sports Coy as an assistant coach in 2019. By 2022, he took charge of strength and conditioning for the Army Green Football Team and worked with the squad during the Durand Cup that year. He continued in the role in 2024 and 2025, focusing on explosive strength, injury prevention, and recovery - key factors in India's demanding domestic football season. Today, as part of the Army Football Node Team, Manoj applies periodised training methods along with biomechanics and nutrition planning. Services' Santosh Trophy win marked a major achievement for Manoj. Playing in Assam's humid conditions, the team showed strong stamina, holding their nerve in extra-time matches and penalty shootouts. "Fitness isn't about brute strength; it's smart endurance," Manoj said on Thursday, referring to his own playing career, which was cut short due to injury. Lucknow Football Association secretary Kanhaya Lal, who has followed Manoj's progress, feels the achievement of the former midfielder will inspire young fitness coaches in the state....