GANGTOK,: The 40th edition of the prestigious Governor’s Gold Cup concluded in a thrilling fashion as Northeast United Football Club triumphed over Gangtok Himalayan Sporting Club (GHSC) in a gripping final held at Paljor Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The match, which captivated the local football fans, saw Northeast United FC emerge victorious after a thrilling penalty shootout, securing their place as the champions of this highly anticipated tournament. The final was witnessed by a distinguished gathering, including Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister PS Golay, and other esteemed government dignitaries, all of whom were in attendance to celebrate the culmination of this remarkable football event.
This year’s edition of the Governor’s Gold Cup saw 16 teams participate, including four foreign clubs representing Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia, and Dubai. The competition has not been held since 2019, when Mohammedan SC from Kolkata claimed the trophy, making this edition even more significant for both players and fans alike.
The final match itself was a hard-fought contest that displayed both tactical brilliance and individual moments of skill. The first half was marked by high-energy play, with both teams exchanging attacking moves and defensive challenges. Despite the constant back-and-forth, the first half ended without a goal.
As the second half unfolded, the intensity of the match only increased. Both teams continued to push for the opening goal, but despite several close calls and stunning saves, neither team could break the deadlock.
As the match reached its final stages, both sides were still unable to convert their chances, and the game was forced into tie-breaker to decide the winner.
The penalty shootout proved to be a nerve-wracking affair, with Northeast United ultimately emerging as the victors. The local side faltered, missing two of their penalty attempts, while Northeast United C kept their cool under pressure, securing the title with a final score of 4-3 in penalties.
Governor Om Prakash Mathur along with Chief Minister PS Golay handed away the trophies to the winner and runners up along with individual awards.
In a social media post, the Chief Minister congratulated North-East United FC for their remarkable resilience and well-deserved victory against Gangtok Himalayan SC.
“Commendations to Gangtok Himalayan SC for their outstanding performance and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Reaching the finals is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and their journey will undoubtedly inspire many young footballers.
I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the passionate football enthusiasts who turned out in large numbers, adding energy and vibrancy to the event,” said the Chief Minister.