The fourth edition of Mahendra Karki Memorial Veteran’s Football Tournament organised by Sikkim Boys FC kicked-off on Tuesday afternoon at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok.
In the inaugural match, Lal Bazaar Youth Development Committee defeated ex-TNA football team 8-5. Prior to the kick-off, the players, officials and audience observed a one-minute silence in memory of late Mahendra Karki, a prominent footballer from Sikkim.
Present at the inaugural function was MLA Gnathang-Machong cum Advisor of Social Welfare and Women & Child Development departments Pamin Lepcha, Late Mahendra Karki's father HK Karki, mother Purnima Karki and family members, social worker Ganden Lachungpa, and former footballers and guests.
Twenty-seven teams from Sikkim and neighbouring North Bengal are taking part in the tournament. The final is scheduled on December 8.
Sikkim Boys FC annually organises the veterans’ football tournament as a tribute to Mahendra Karki and to celebrate his rich contributions to Sikkim Football. (SE)