Sunday, May 18, 2025 10:45 [IST]
Last Update: Saturday, May 17, 2025 17:41 [IST]
GANGTOK, (IPR):Aakraman Sporting Club scripted a momentous victory as they lifted
the coveted Sikkim Premier League (SPL) 2025 Championship Trophy for the second
time, overpowering a spirited Singling Sporting Club 1-0 in a pulsating final
clash.
With
this triumph, Aakraman SC bagged the trophy along with a handsome cash prize of
Rs 20 lakh, while the runners-up, Singling SC, were felicitated with the
runner-up trophy, medals, and Rs 10 lakh in prize money.
Organised
by Football Development Private Limited in collaboration with the Government of
Sikkim and Dear Lottery, the SPL has emerged as a flagship footballing event,
propelling grassroots talent and elevating the footballing ecosystem in the
state.
The
grand finale unfolded amidst an electric atmosphere at Paljor Stadium, with an
enthusiastic crowd and presence of the State’s top leadership.
The
event was graced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Justice Biswanath
Somadder, Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa, Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, cabinet
ministers, MLAs, advisors to CM, chief secretary R Telang, heads of departments,
and senior officials, symbolizing a befitting closure to the month-long league.
The evening commenced with cultural presentations showcasing Sikkim’s rich heritage, followed by a soulful performance by celebrated singer Lucky Ali, adding to the festive fervour of the grand sporting spectacle.
Individual Honours and
Accolades:
•
League Champions: Sikkim Dragons FC – Shield + Rs 5 lakh
•
Emerging Player of the Final: Tendong Lepcha (Aakraman FC)
•
Man of the Match (Final): Nunu Sedu (Aakraman FC)
•
Emerging Player of the Tournament: Tendong Lepcha (Aakraman FC) – Rs. 25,000
•
Fair Play Trophy: Gyalsing United FC – Rs. 50,000
•
Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper): Nindup Lepcha (Aakraman FC) – Rs. 50,000
•
Best Coach: Nicolas Rai (Sikkim Dragons FC) – Rs. 25,000
•
Player of the Tournament: Uttam Rai (Singling SC) – Royal Enfield Hunter 350
• Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Dogulas Costa (Sikkim Dragons FC) – Rs. 50,000
Additionally,
semi-finalists Sikkim Dragons FC and Thunderbolt North United FC were
acknowledged with consolation cash tokens for their commendable performance.
In
his valedictory remarks, the Chief Minister officially declared the SPL closed,
extending appreciation to the organisers, teams, match officials, and football
lovers whose collective efforts made the event a resounding success.
With the resounding success of the inaugural edition, the Sikkim Premier League has set a high benchmark, igniting aspirations for future editions and reaffirming the State’s growing stature on India’s football map.