Calls grow for policy on non-local footballers in Sikkim tournaments

KUSH HANG LEEWANG

GEYZING,: Growing concern over the increasing recruitment of non-local and foreign footballers for Independence Day tournaments in Sikkim has prompted residents of West Sikkim to demand a clear regulatory policy to safeguard opportunities for local players.

While acknowledging the role of experienced outside players in improving the quality of competition, many citizens have urged the Sports and Youth Affairs department to frame guidelines that strike a balance between competitiveness and the development of homegrown football talent. They argue that the absence of such a policy not only side-lines Sikkimese players but also leads to a substantial outflow of money from the State during the annual sporting celebrations.

“The increasing practice of local football clubs recruiting players from other states of India, Nepal and some African countries deprives local players of adequate opportunities, particularly during the annual Independence Day football tournaments and other celebratory sporting events held across the State,” locals said.

They have urged State Sports and Youth Affairs department to formulate a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern the recruitment of foreign players. “Clear rules should be introduced to limit the number of non-local and foreign players a club can field, with many recommending a maximum of four to five foreign players in a team.”

Many of them maintained that football in the State should not be viewed merely as a source of entertainment but as a platform for nurturing and developing local football talent. They stressed that every football tournament should create meaningful opportunities and brighter future prospects for the youth of Sikkim. According to them, encouraging greater participation of local players would not only strengthen the State's football ecosystem but also inspire aspiring footballers to pursue the sport at higher levels.

While they are not opposed to the hiring of non-locals including overseas players, they contended that there must be a balance between the number of foreign and local players to ensure that the local footballers also get chance. They further argued, “The participation of clubs from neighbouring countries in tournaments held in Sikkim is a positive development. However, when local clubs field an entire line-up of foreign players, it undermines the aspirations of local footballers and deprives them of opportunities to develop and progress in the sport.”

On the condition of anonymity, a former national footballer said that it was not easy to formulate a comprehensive policy governing the hiring of non-local or foreign players. He pointed out that certain government departments, which do not have their own pool of players, often have to rely either on non-local and foreign players to form teams and ensure their participation in tournaments. However, he appreciated the concerns raised by the public regarding the interests of local footballers and expressed hope that positive changes would be introduced in the future through a balanced policy on the hiring of players from other countries.

Pravin Sharma, a politician and activist, strongly protested the practice of hiring non-local and foreign players and the substantial expenditure on football tournaments held during the Independence Day celebrations in Sikkim.

Sharma alleged that each constituency spends nearly Rs. 40-50 lakh on football-related events every year. He argued that a significant portion of this amount could instead be invested in developing sports infrastructure, training facilities and long-term programmes for local youths.  

Sharma claimed that insufficient investment has been made in the State’s sports sector. “Sikkim still lacks adequate sports academies to nurture the raw talent and potential of its youth. Privately-run sports academies in the State are also struggling to survive due to a lack of government support and financial constraints.”

He further alleged that a substantial amount of money spent on these events eventually flows outside the State rather than benefiting local clubs and players. "Most of the money is reaped by non-locals and outsiders. No long-term objectives for local footballers are prepared after the conclusion of celebration,” Sharma said.

Several concerned citizens have taken to social media to voice their disappointment, arguing that the trend is limiting opportunities for local footballers. One senior citizen wrote, “Is there any provision or local law allowing the hiring of football players from outside? If not, such a policy should be introduced. Let our Sikkimese players flourish first.”

Some individuals stated that although the inclusion of non-local players may attract larger crowds, it should not come at the cost of local footballers' aspirations.

A local footballer, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was unable to secure a place in any team this year due to a lack of interest from football clubs. "No club hired me this year as nobody showed any interest in signing me," he said while watching the tournament as a spectator.

Many individuals feel that, in order to safeguard the interests and aspirations of local footballers, the concerned department, in coordination with local football clubs, should formulate a clear and effective policy that ensures adequate opportunities for local players while also promoting their long-term growth and development.