GANGTOK,:
The second edition of ‘Sikkim Rising Star: Under-17 Football Fiesta’, organised
by the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps in collaboration with Sikkim Football
Association (SFA), is set to begin on December 12. The tournament will take
place at Palzor Stadium in Gangtok and Baichung Stadium in Namchi.
The
Sikkim Rising Star tournament, first held in February 2024, saw participation
from eight teams and was praised for its organization and impact. Recognizing
its success, the Indian Army has expanded the second edition to feature 16
teams—10 boys’ teams and 6 girls’ teams—representing all six districts of
Sikkim.
These
teams include participants from remote and far-flung areas, reflecting the
Army’s mission to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for every talented
youngster, informs a press release.
The
participating boys’ teams are Gangtok Himalayan Sporting Club (Gangtok
District), Northerners Football Club (Mangan), Pendam Football Academy
(Pakyong), Chujachen Sports Academy ( Pakyong), Academy Knights Football Club
(Gangtok), Sinolchu Football Club (Namchi), Young Boys Football Academy
(Gyalshing), Yuksom Friends Forever Sports Club (Gyalshing), Friends Football
Club (Namchi) and Sanju Football Academy (Soreng).
The
girls’ team are Northerners Football Club (Mangan), United Bojoghari Sporting
Club (Gangtok), Pakyong United Sporting Club (Pakyong), Maneybong Dentam Sports
Society (Gyalshing), Singling Football Club (Soreng) and Friends Football Club
(Namchi).
One
of the standout features of this tournament is its emphasis on women’s
empowerment, the release mentions. “The inclusion of six girls’ teams
underscores the importance of providing a platform for young female athletes to
showcase their skills and pursue their dreams. Women’s football in Sikkim has
seen a steady rise, and initiatives like this tournament play a crucial role in
breaking stereotypes and inspiring young girls to step into the sports arena.”
