Sikkim Dragons unveils 2025-26 squad & kit

GANGTOK, : In a vibrant and spirited ceremony held here, the Sikkim Dragons FC officially unveiled their squad and kit for the upcoming 2025–26 season. The Gangtok-based club is one of the franchise teams in the Sikkim Premier League.

Rural Development minister Arun Upreti was present as the chief guest for the event held here on Saturday afternoon.

The programme commenced with the formal felicitation of the team’s sponsors—individuals and organizations whose continued support has been instrumental in the club's journey.

In his warm welcome address, Jorgay Namka, co-owner of Sikkim Dragons, highlighted the club’s founding philosophy. "Sikkim Dragons was born out of a shared vision to keep the spirit of football alive in the region," he said.

"Our mission is not only to promote athletic excellence but also to steer the younger generation towards a healthy and disciplined lifestyle—keeping them away from the negative influences of drug abuse and excessive technology use."

Chewang Zigmee Lachungpa, the club’s co-owner, then took the stage to officially introduce the 30-member squad for the upcoming season. While the team proudly features a strong contingent of homegrown talent, it also includes a diverse international and inter-state lineup—bringing in players from Manipur (2), West Bengal (2), Uzbekistan (2), Cameroon (1), and Brazil (1). This blend of local and international athletes is expected to bring both cultural richness and tactical diversity to the team.

Adding a touch of entertainment to the proceedings, celebrated mimicry artist Sujit Alley captivated the audience with his humorous and skillful performance.

Speaking at the function, veteran sports personality Sanjay Budathoki reflected on his 21-year journey in the field of sports. He noted the significant transformation the sporting ecosystem has undergone since 2019. “Earlier, many promising athletes had to give up their dreams due to lack of opportunities and platforms. But today, things are different. With the unwavering support of our Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, the Sikkim Premier League has emerged as a beacon of hope—gaining recognition not just across the country, but also internationally,” he said.

In his address, minister Arun Upreti spoke passionately about the unifying power of football. “Football is more than just a game—it is a movement, a passion that binds communities, energizes our youth, and inspires individuals to follow their dreams,” he said. He praised the efforts of the Sikkim Football Association and various stakeholders for their relentless dedication to promoting football in the State.

“Events like this do not just launch a season—they launch aspirations,” he noted.

Concluding his address, Upreti encouraged the people of Sikkim to embrace sports not only as a career choice but also as a lifestyle that nurtures discipline, character, and humility—values that form the cornerstone of a progressive society.

The event culminated with the ceremonial unveiling of the club’s home and away kits for the 2025–26 season, officially marking the beginning of a new chapter for Sikkim Dragons.