Sikkim duo part of India U-17 women’s football team on verge of World Cup qualification

GANGTOK,: Sikkim football has earned a proud moment as two members from Pakyong are playing key roles in the India U-17 women’s football team, which is now just one step away from qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

India defeated Lebanon 4-0 in China on Friday to advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament, marking the team’s entry into the last eight for the first time in more than two decades. A victory in the quarter-finals will secure India a place in the World Cup.

Among the standout contributors from Sikkim are Abhista Basnet, who is captaining the Indian side, and Yashna Chettri, who is serving as the official physiotherapist of the team.

Congratulating the team on its achievement, Sikkim Football Association president Menla Ethenpa and general secretary Phurba Sherpa praised Team India for bringing laurels to the country and extended their best wishes for the upcoming matches.

The Sikkim Football Association also expressed hope that the team’s success would inspire more girls across the State to take up football in the coming years.