11th All India Chief Minister's Gold Cup: Shillong’s Nongkseh SC enters next round

NAMCHI,  (IPR): Entering the 3rd day of the ongoing 11th All India Chief Minister's Gold Cup Football Tournament, the 3rd match witnessed the play-off between Gangtok Himalayan SC (Sikkim) and Nongkesh SC (Shillong) at Jorethang Football Stadium today.

MLA Namchi-Singhithang and chairman for Denzong Agricultural Cooperative Society Satish Chandra Rai had graced the day as the chief guest, accompanied by Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Jacob Khaling Rai, advisor for Panchayati Raj Rama Tamang and OSD to MLA, SJ Lepcha as special guests.

In his short address, the MLA presented his gratitude to the Chief Minister for his vision and guidance to take the historic Maghey Sankranti Mela celebration to newer and greater heights and platforms and also lauded the organising committee for their tireless effort in organising the festival. Further, reminiscing his younger days, the MLA talked about his experience in how he witnessed and gave his participation during those festival celebrations.

The MLA then took his initiative to highlight the Rankey Mela celebration organised at Namchi and stated that Maghey Sankranti Mela and Rankey Sankranti Mela, both have been an integral part of the State's traditional and cultural heritage. The MLA also provided his suggestion about publishing a magazine that solely highlights the Maghey Sankranti Mela and further stated that the magazine can be a tool for documenting and archiving the celebration process for the future generations.

The second match of 11th All India Chief Minister's Gold Cup Football Tournament was played between the teams Gangtok Himalayan SC (Sikkim) and Nongkseh SC (Shillong), where with a score of 2-1 goals, Nongkseh SC (Shillong) emerged victorious. The Man of the Match award was awarded to Kynsaibor Lhuid of the winning team.

During the course of the play, the chief guest and the guest of honour were also presented with a token of gratitude, and accordingly, the day also had a mix of cultural performances during the course of the tournament.

The tournament is organised by Jorethang Football Association in collaboration with Sports & Youth Affairs department, Government of Sikkim, Sikkim Football Association and Organising Committee of Maghey Sankranti Mela 2026 and is being played as per the rules, regulations and guidelines laid down by All India Football Federation, the National governing body for football in India.

The day also had the presence of president (NJNP) Pavitra Manav, OSD to MLA, Raju Roshan Pradhan, additional director (S&YAD) Tashi Ongmu Bhutia, DE (Water Resources Department) Bijay Tiwari, BDO (Baiguney) Pramila Gurung, assistant director (SICB) Kusum Pradhan and dignitaries.