Saturday, Oct 03, 2020 11:15 [IST]
Last Update: Saturday, Oct 03, 2020 05:33 [IST]
BIJOY GURUNG
GANGTOK: Sikkim’s showpiece annual football tournament Governor’s Gold Cup is unlikely to be held this year owing to various reasons, a top Sikkim Football Association (SFA) official said.
Speaking with SIKKIM EXPRESS, SFA president Menla Ethenpa on Friday said there are doubts regarding the 40th edition of Governor’s Gold Cup annually organised in the months of October and November by the SFA.
“In my personal opinion, I have my doubts as the condition of the astro-turf at Paljor Stadium is in a bad condition. Though Covid relaxations have been given for sporting events, I don’t think we will be able to host the Governor’s Gold Cup this time. The turf is not in a condition to host even league matches,” said Ethenpa.
Ethenpa added that these are strictly his personal opinions as very soon a SFA meeting would be held to take a formal decision on the 40th Governor’s Gold Cup tournament.
Mohammedan SC had lifted the 39th Governor’s Gold Cup last November by defeating home team Sikkim Himalayan SC 2-1 in the final.
The SFA president pointed out that a Covid care centre has been established at Paljor Stadium complex presently where Covid positive patients are placed for isolation and treatment. He added that the Bhaichung Stadium at Namchi is at the moment not fully complete at present which means the tournament cannot be shifted there.
It was only recently that relaxations were given for holding sporting events but team events are difficult to hold as compared to individual sports, said Ethenpa. “At the moment, our players are also not match fit as no competitive matches have been held since March. It will take time of around 15-20 days for them to be fit to play competitive matches,” he said.
Since March, no football tournaments have been held in Sikkim due to Covid pandemic and ensuing lockdown. The annual Sikkim league in A, B and C divisions were skipped along with the Independence Day football tournament.
Pic: A SE file pic of the 39th Governor’s Gold Cup final between Sikkim Himalayan SC (yellow) against Mohammedan SC at Paljor Stadium on November 12, 2019.
