Sunday, Sep 14, 2025 21:30 [IST]
Last Update: Saturday, Sep 13, 2025 15:59 [IST]
GANGTOK,: In line with the tournament’s theme “High on Goals, Not on Drugs,” a total of 23 goals were scored on an electrifying opening day of the 1st Sikkim Government Inter-College Futsal Tournament, held on Saturday at the GMC Futsal Arena, Deorali.
In the inaugural match, Sheda Pangthang edged past Sikkim Government College, Rhenock in a nail-biting 7–6 thriller, while SMLGC Gyalshing clinched a thrilling 6–4 win over NBBGC Tadong in the second fixture of the day. With these victories, both winning teams have progressed to the quarterfinals, scheduled for Sunday.
The four-day tournament is being organised by the SKM Students Wing in collaboration with the Futsal Association of Sikkim (FAS).
The tournament was inaugurated by Sports minister Raju Basnet, in the presence of SKM Students Wing vice-president (in-charge) Aditya Golay, president Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha, Sikkim Students Welfare Board chairman Sonam Chopel Sherpa, and other dignitaries.
In the inaugural match, the Sheda Panthang team and Sikkim Government College Rhenock went toe-to-toe with both sides playing an attacking game. Ultimately, it was the Sheda Panthang team which won the game 7-6.
Phurba Dorjee, Sangay Dorjee, and Passang Sherpa scored two goals each, while Sangay Gurung added another for Sheda Pangthang.
For SGC Rhenock, Youdis Chettri netted a brilliant hat-trick, supported by Samridh Gurung, Kushal Chettri, and Prem Tshering Tamang, who chipped in with a goal each.
Phurba Dorjee of Sheda Pangthang was adjudged the ‘Man of the Match’ for his standout performance.
The second match continued the high-scoring trend as SMLGC Gyalshing overcame a spirited NBBGC Tadong side 6-4. Sancha Raj Limboo and Achang M. Lepcha scored a brace each, with Tashi Bhutia and Chetan Limboo adding a goal apiece.
For NBBGC Tadong, Nim Tshering Lepcha scored twice, while Suraj Rai and Kalzang Bhutia also found the net.
Abhishek Tamang of SMLGC Gyalshing was named ‘Man of the Match’.
Speaking to the media, Sports minister Raju Basnet said the tournament aligns with the vision of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay to promote sports and provide a platform for Sikkim’s youth to display their talents.
“This is a wonderful initiative. You can feel the energy and passion of our college students who are eager to showcase their skills,” said Basnet.
He further added that under the Chief Minister’s leadership, sports and sportspersons in Sikkim are receiving strong support from the SKM government, with many now making their mark at both national and international levels.
SKM Students Wing president Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha added that the tournament also aims to promote the missions of Healthy Sikkim, Nasha Mukt Sikkim & Bharat, and an HIV-free Sikkim, by engaging students in positive, meaningful activities.
The tournament follows a knockout format, with each match lasting 40 minutes.
The quarterfinals are scheduled for Sunday, featuring four exciting matches.
