42nd Governor’s Gold Cup kicks off with wins for local teams

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK,: Local teams Sikkim Aakarman SC and Black Eagle (Sikkim Police) won their respective opening-day matches on Monday to progress to the pre-quarterfinal round of the 42nd Governor’s Gold Cup football tournament at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok.

Sikkim Aakarman SC defeated Garhwal Heroes 2-0 in the inaugural match after the tournament was declared open by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay. Midfielder Boxer Pradhan and substitute Karma Thendup scored the goals on either side of the interval.

Pradhan was declared Man of the Match.

Sikkim Aakarman SC will now take on Odisha XI in the pre-quarterfinal on October 7.

In the second match of the day, Black Eagle (Sikkim Police) overcame GTA XI 3-1.

Sikkim Police will face FC Banaras in the pre-quarterfinal on October 8.

Two pre-quarterfinal matches are scheduled for October 6, the second day of the tournament.

In the first match, local club Thunderbolt North United will play Gokulam FC Kerala, while another Sikkimese club, Singling SC, will take on OIL Football Team (Assam).

The Governor’s Gold Cup is Sikkim’s annual showpiece football tournament, organised by the Sikkim Football Association (SFA).

Earlier in the morning, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay inaugurated the 42nd Governor’s Gold Cup in the presence of SFA president Menla Ethenpa, SFA executives, dignitaries and the general public.

“The Governor’s Gold Cup holds a special place in Sikkim’s sporting legacy, bringing together talented footballers and teams from across the country while inspiring our young athletes and strengthening the spirit of sportsmanship,” said the Chief Minister. He extended his best wishes to all the participating teams for a competitive, memorable and successful tournament.

Prior to this, the Chief Minister and dignitaries paid tribute to former Chief Minister Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari, whose 86th birth anniversary was celebrated across Sikkim on Monday, and also at Paljor Stadium.

“The occasion was also an opportunity to remember and pay our respects to Late Nar Bahadur Bhandari, the former Chief Minister of Sikkim, on his 86th birth anniversary. His immense contribution to the development and progress of Sikkim continues to remain an important part of our State’s history and collective memory,” shared the Chief Minister.