Battling kidney problems, Ibaihun Kurbah, a young and promising footballer from Meghalaya, succumbed to her illness at a hospital in Guwahati early on Monday. She was 20. Kurbah, popularly known as Iba, hailed from Mairang in Eastern West Khasi Hills and had represented Meghalaya in All India Football Federation (AIFF) tournaments.
Known for her speed and determination, she had also been a state-level champion runner before switching to football. Her achievements also included winning the Best Athlete title at the State Level Chief Minister’s Inter School Athletics Meet in 2022 and being adjudged the U-14 Girls Best Athlete in 2017.
Known for her dedication, discipline, and inspiring spirit, Ibaihun was seen as one of the promising faces of women’s football in Meghalaya. Her untimely demise is a huge loss not only to her family and friends but to the entire sports community of the state.