Monday, Jan 19, 2026 21:30 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Jan 18, 2026 15:55 [IST]
NAMCHI, (IPR): The first semi-final of the 11th All India Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Football Tournament witnessed an energetic and closely contested encounter between Nongkesh SC (Shillong) and Red Panda FC (Sikkim) at Jorethang Football Stadium today.
The match was graced by Minister for Rural Development and Cooperation departments Arun Kumar Upreti as the chief guest. He was accompanied by Press Advisor to the Chief Minister, Birendra Tamling, and chairman, Information Technology department, Navraj Gurung, as guests of honour, along with MLA and chief patron Madan Cintury.
Both teams displayed a high level of competitiveness and sportsmanship throughout the match. With a narrow yet decisive scoreline of 1–0, Nongkesh SC emerged victorious, becoming the first team to qualify for the final of the tournament. For his outstanding performance, Khraw Kupar Jana of Nongkesh SC was unanimously adjudged the Man of the Match.
During the programme, the chief guest and guests of honour were presented with tokens of appreciation by the organising committee. The occasion was further enlivened by traditional cultural dance performances, which added colour and festive spirit to the event.
The tournament is being organised by the Jorethang Football Association in collaboration with the Sports & Youth Affairs department, the Sikkim Football Association, and the Maghey Sankranti Mela 2026 Organising Committee. All matches are being conducted strictly in accordance with the rules, regulations and guidelines laid down by the All India Football Federation, the national governing body for football in India.
