Monday, Sep 15, 2025 11:45 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, Sep 15, 2025 06:12 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Goals continue to flow in the 1st Sikkim Government Inter-College Futsal Tournament as the competition enters the semi-final stage, with SGIHNS Sheda Pangthang, SGC Burtuk, SG Law College Burtuk, and SMLGC Gyalshing advancing after their respective quarterfinal wins on Sunday.
All four matches were played at the GMC Futsal Arena, Deorali, and saw a combined total of 42 goals scored, thrilling the crowd with high-octane attacking football.
The most dominant performance of the day came from SGC Burtuk, who routed Government Sanskrit College Samdong with a staggering 16-1 scoreline. Thatup Bhutia opened the scoring in the very first minute, followed by goals from Sandup Sherpa and Pema Tshering Sherpa in the opening four minutes. Sandup completed his brace by the 10th minute. Pema Dorjee Lama and Kumar Mangar scored four goals each, while Sillash added a hattrick in what was a completely one-sided contest. Pema Dorjee Lama was adjudged the Man of the Match for his commanding performance.
SGIHNS Sheda Pangthang, who had qualified from the preliminary round on Saturday, continued their strong form by defeating SGC Mangshila 3-0. Phurba Dorjee netted a brace, while Sangay Dorjee was named Man of the Match. Speaking after the match, Sangay said that the Sheda team regularly practices football every weekend and often takes part in competitive matches, adding, “We have now reached the semi-final and our aim is to reach the final.”
SMLGC Gyalshing also advanced to the semi-finals after defeating SGC Namchi 8-5 in a high-scoring thriller. Sancha Raj Limboo and Sunil Mangar both scored hattricks, while Tashi Bhutia added a brace. SGC Namchi put up a strong fight, with goals coming from Reeyash Pradhan, Sangip Limboo, and Tseten Tashi, but fell short by three goals. Sunil Mangar was declared Man of the Match.
In another emphatic performance, SG Law College Burtuk overpowered SGSC Chakung 8-1, with Suman Rai and Kanchan Dahal scoring four goals each. Kanchan Dahal was named Man of the Match. The match also saw tempers flare, with one player from each team receiving red cards.
The tournament is being organised by the SKM Students Wing in collaboration with the Futsal Association of Sikkim.
Ministers Sonam Lama and G.T. Dhungel, along with Chief Minister’s political secretary Jacob Khaling, attended Sunday’s matches as chief guests.
Speaking to the media, ministers Lama and Dhungel lauded the initiative of the SKM Students Wing to promote healthy extracurricular activities among college students. They highlighted that the SKM government, under Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, has been actively supporting sports and encouraging Sikkim’s young athletes to shine at national and international levels.
The tournament is aligned with key government missions such as Healthy Sikkim, Nasha Mukt Sikkim & Bharat, and an HIV-Free Sikkim, by involving youth in constructive and meaningful pursuits.
The semi-final matches will be played on Monday afternoon, with the four remaining teams vying for a spot in the much-anticipated final.
