GANGTOK,:
The second edition of ‘Sikkim Rising Star: Under-17 Football Fiesta’ organized
by the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps in collaboration with Sikkim Football
Association (SFA) commenced Thursday at Paljor Stadium and Bhaichung Stadium in
Namchi.
This
year’s tournament features 16 teams including 10 boys' teams and six girls'
teams, representing all six districts of Sikkim.
The
inaugural ceremony held at Paljor Stadium here was attended by Shubhra
Kabthiyal, chairperson, FWO, Black Cat Division, as the chief guest and SFA
president Menla Ethenpa as the guest of honour.
In
her address, Shubhra Kabthiyal underscored the transformative role of football
in shaping the lives of young people and contributing to the holistic
development of society. She highlighted the tournament as a symbol of teamwork,
unity, and shared purpose, promoting peace, progress and prosperity in the
region.
The
girls’ final is scheduled for December 24, while the boys’ final will take
place on January 4, 2024. Girls’ matches consist of 35-minute halves, while
boys’ matches feature 45-minute halves.
The
inaugural session featured a performance by the brass band of West Point senior
secondary school.
In
the first match, Pakyong United Sporting Club defeated Northerners FC e 4-0. Jeena
Rai was the star of the match, scoring an impressive hat trick.
