Kuchi Rangkau Zeliang, founder of Peren-based football club Barak FC and son of Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, passed away at Olive Hospital in Dimapur on Friday evening, according to family sources. He reportedly collapsed at his residence before being taken to the hospital. Zeliang was also the proprietor of Case Construction.
Zeliang’s demise has drawn condolences from the Naga People’s Front (NPF), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) National Secretary Richard Humtsoe, and the Zeliang Youth Organization Dimapur (ZYOD), who remembered him for his character, sporting spirit and contributions to the community.
Zeliang was closely associated with Barak FC, which has been a prominent force in Nagaland football since its establishment in 2006. The club won the inaugural Nagaland Premier League in 2012 and the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy in 2014, 2015 and 2017. It also lifted the Captain N Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament in 2022.
Barak FC reached another major milestone in April 2025 by winning the inaugural Nagaland Super League, defeating Longterok FC 3–1 in the final at Chümoukedima Football Stadium. The club had finished the league stage with 29 points from 12 matches.
Several Barak FC players also received individual honours during the tournament. Toka A. Achumi finished as the top scorer with 13 goals, while Kevisanyu Peseyie won the Golden Ball and goalkeeper Dziesengulie Kire received the Golden Glove.
Beyond football, Zeliang was involved in promoting pickleball in Nagaland and served as an adviser to the Nagaland Pickleball Association.
In a condolence statement issued by its Central Headquarters in Kohima, the NPF described Zeliang as humble, gentle and soft-spoken, saying his friendly disposition and warm rapport with people from all walks of life had endeared him to many. The party also highlighted his bond with the younger generation, among whom he was widely loved for his affability and sporting spirit.
The NPF conveyed its heartfelt condolences to TR Zeliang and the bereaved family, expressing solidarity with them and praying for strength and solace during their time of grief.
Richard Humtsoe, National Secretary of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), also expressed condolences, describing the death as a profound loss to the Zeliang family. He conveyed his sympathies to the Deputy Chief Minister and the bereaved family, praying for strength, courage and comfort as they endure the loss.
Meanwhile, the Zeliang Youth Organization Dimapur, of which Zeliang was a former adviser, expressed shock and deep grief over his demise. The organization remembered him as a humble, God-fearing and principled individual who placed his faith at the centre of his life.
The ZYOD also recalled his roles as a loving husband, devoted father and dutiful son, saying his passing had left a profound void not only in the Zeliang community but among the Nagas at large. It extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength, comfort and peace during their time of grief.
Details of his funeral arrangements were not immediately available.
