Four Sikkimese football talents selected by Kolkata clubs

Scouting & trials facilitated by former footballer Lokendra Gurung

GANGTOK, : Former footballer Lokendra Gurung has successfully scouted and facilitated the selection of four Sikkimese footballers into the reserve teams of famed Kolkata clubs – East Bengal FC, Diamond Harbour FC and United SC.

Phuhang Subba (18) and Thupden Wangchuk Sherpa (19) were enrolled into the reserve team of East Bengal FC. Phuhang hails from Geyzing district and plays as a forward while Thupden, from Namchi, plays as a winger.

Midfielder Chopel Thupden Bhutia (18) from Namcheybong has been selected for the reserve team of Daimond Harbour. Right full back Rahul Rai (19) from Turuk, Melli was selected for United Sporting Club.

The four Sikkimese footballers had been scouted by Lokendra Gurung who used his good contacts in Kolkata clubs and secured a trial for them last December. Recently, all the four footballers were formally signed by the Kolkata clubs into their reserve teams.

It was informed that the Sikkimese footballers would be under an observation period to showcase their talents and potentially be fast-tracked into the senior teams depending on their performance.

Lokendra, 41, runs a football academy at his native village in Yangtey in West Sikkim since 2019. Over the years, he has been scouting and taking young emerging football talents for trials with various clubs outside the State. It is his personal initiative to contribute towards the vision of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay towards development of football and sports of Sikkim.

“For the third time, I am honoured to share that I have once again taken the initiative to place talented footballers from Sikkim into renowned football clubs in India. This year, four promising players have successfully signed with leading clubs, reflecting consistent progress and trust in our efforts,” said Lokendra.

The former footballer-turned-mentor thanked the Sikkim government for its unwavering support and for consistently holding hands with those working for sports development.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for his vision and active involvement in promoting sports, which has been instrumental in making this journey successful.  It is due to his support and encouragement that sportspersons including footballers of Sikkim have considerable progressed,” said Lokendra.

Lokendra added that he wanted to contribute to the sporting vision of the Chief Minister through his football academy and his initiative of taking young talents to play for clubs outside Sikkim. The Chief Minister always encourage the footballers to take forward their talents at the national level, and I want to contribute towards his vision for development of sports sector of Sikkim, he said.