GANGTOK,: Chief Minister PS Golay has expressed his joy and pride over the selection of Sikkim State women’s football team for the 38th National Games taking place in Uttarakhand in February 2025.
This well-deserved nomination is a result of their exceptional performances during the 2023-24 season of the Senior National Football Championships, said the Chief Minister on social media.
“This remarkable milestone marks a historic first for our State, as our women’s football team has earned the honor of being shortlisted for the National Games. Their achievement is a testament to their relentless passion, dedication and commitment to excellence in the beautiful game of football. It also reflects the rising standards of women’s sports in our State, driven by their grit and determination,” said the Chief Minister.
“On behalf of the entire State, I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to the team. May they continue to shine, inspire, and make us proud on this grand national stage,” added Golay.
The football competition under the 38th National Games will be held in Haldwani, Uttarakhand in February 2025.
Eight top State teams including Sikkim and the host State Uttarakhand have been selected for the 38th National Games 2025 based on their performances in the 2023-24 season of senior national football championships.
Meanwhile, the Sikkim Football Association (SFA) convened a welcoming and congratulatory ceremony on Friday at the Rangpo Facilitation Centre for the Sikkim Senior Women's Football Team. The Sikkim Senior Women’s team have returned home after participating in the final round of the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2024 in Chhattisgarh, followed by their respective performance in the 2023-24 Hero National Football Championship.
The celebration featured the attendance of Pamin Lepcha, MLA of Gnathang Machong, and Erung Tenzing Lepcha, MLA of Rinchenpong. Both the MLAs congratulated the footballers on their nomination and encouraged them to excel at the national level, an IPR release informs.
Likewise, Erung Tenzing Lepcha commended the team's perseverance and underscored their role as inspirational figures for aspiring athletes throughout the State. He further emphasised the importance of sports in empowering women and promoting unity.
The team expressed heartfelt appreciation to Chief Minister for his steadfast support and encouragement. The players recognised his guidance and personal involvement as pivotal elements in their success, the IPR release adds.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Sikkim Football Association, including Chung Chung Bhutia (Working President), Chewang Thendup Bhutia (Vice President), Ms Susan Bhutia (Treasurer), as well as Bhim Kumari Sharma, Samten Lhamu Lachungpa, Peden Lama, and Renuka Chakraborty.