Sikkim youth team playing in 35th Governor’s Gold Cup

DICHEN ONGMU, EOI, Gangtok, 8 Oct 2014: The 35th Governor’s Gold Cup kicks off from 2pm on Thursday at the Paljor Stadium. Local teams Sikkim Youth XI and SFA White will be playing the opening game. Altogether 12 teams are participating this year and among them are some big names such as Mohun Bagan, ONGC Mumbai, 3 Star Nepal and Army XI. The gold cup is organised by the Sikkim Football Association.

State HRDD and Sports & Youth Affairs minister RB Subba on Wednesday held a Press conference where he extended his good wishes to Sikkim Youth XI and urged the team members to showcase their talent to the maximum.

Sikkim Youth XI comprises a squad of 22 students handpicked from the Late LD Kazi Memorial inter-school football tournament. The players are the newest and the youngest in this year’s Governor’s Gold Cup. The skipper is Dawa Tshering Sherpa while the players have been trained and coached by Milan Subba and Mayal Lepcha.

The minister advised the team members to work hard and not to get distracted by the occasion. “You all are here today because you have performed better than the rest,” he said, adding the state government has provided them a fantastic platform thanks to the vision of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to empower the youths of Sikkim not only in the field of education, but also in sports and other spheres.

Further, Subba noted the state government aimed to produce players of the calibre of Bhaichung Bhutia and Sanju Pradhan. He added the government would ensure Sikkim participates in the Subroto Cup 2015 as also in the U-17 World Cup in 2017 that will be hoisted by India.

On behalf of his department, the minister also extended his heartfelt condolences to Hangu Norden Bhutia who passed away on Tuesday. Bhutia was a former footballer and an experienced coach.

SFA President BK Roka congratulated team members of Sikkim Youth XI for performing well to get an opportunity so early to participate in the Governor’s Gold Cup, which is an international tournament. He noted Bhaichung Bhutia had also started his career during his school days.

HRDD principal secretary Thomas Chandi lauded the innovative idea of minister Subba terming it successful. He added the energy and enthusiasm shown by the organising team including the players are commendable. He suggested the construction of a football academy at Khel Gaon to train young talents into worthwhile players. “Discipline is the most important quality and there is no substitution for hard work,” added Chandi.