Sikkim Police lifts Sikkim Premier Division League 2023

BIJOY GURUNG

Sikkim Himalayan SC outraged over controversial decisions, snubs award ceremony

The league’s final game on Sunday at Paljor Stadium was tied at 1-1, a result that saw Sikkim Police XI retaining their Sikkim Premier Division League champions title. The police team with a two-point lead only needed a draw to win the league, having won all its previous six matches collecting 18 points. On the other hand, Sikkim Himalayan SC had 16 points from six games, thus a win was crucial but it was just not their day.

Having taken a vital lead early in the second half, Sikkim Himalayan SC players had seen red after being penalized with a spot kick for a soft foul that saw Sikkim Police levelling the score at 1-1. Matters turn worse when their claims for a goal were waved off after a Uttam Rai’s header hit the crossbar and bounced down. They claimed the ball crossed the goal line but it was not found so by the match officials who signalled the game to continue.

The meltdown came, ironically came, in the last minute when Uttam Rai, again, saw his free kick coming off the crossbar that was then bundled into the net by his team mate. Celebrations from the Sikkim Himalayan SC players and their supporters were cut down as the assistant referee signalled the goal came from an offside position.

Outraged with the decision, the Sikkim Himalayan SC players walked off the pitch, and seconds later, the final whistle was blown. The players made their feelings clearly known as they marched into their locker and showed no intention to return to the pitch for the post-match award ceremony.

“The individual awards do not matter. We had come with aim to become champions, every player gave their best…we drew the match but lost on points. We lost the title due to poor refereeing,” said Uttam Rai to media after the match.

It was an unlucky day for Uttam Rai, the ‘Golden Boot’ winner, to see his efforts being denied by the goalpost twice. He had given his side the lead early in the first half with a sweet volley from close range.

Needing nothing less than a win in the final league match, Sikkim Himalayan SC started the game with an attacking tempo and created some chances for a goal. Their efforts were thwarted by a dogged defence of Sikkim Police XI and ‘MoM’ goalkeeper Pujan Pradhan who was agile and alert to the aerial attacks from the opponents.

However, a Sikkim Himalayan SC goal looked imminent in the second half with Uttam Rai’s influence gradually growing and it was the ‘golden boot’ winner who drew first blood with a cool finish. The Sikkim Himalayan SC then went on to dominate the play but against the run of play, conceded a soft foul in their box, a decision that led to vehement protests from the players.

Sagar Gurung, undeterred by the pressure, smashed his penalty shot into the goal and restored parity for the police team who then tenaciously defended the following attacks. They also resorted to delay tactics to slow down the game and nibble the remaining time, so much so that the match officials awarded 11 minutes of added time.

Sikkim Himalayan SC came close to snatch a winner in added time but could not succeed. They did find the net with the final kick which was adjudged to be scored from an off-side position, a decision they took as the final injustice and opposed by not turning up for the award ceremony.

Sports minister KN Lepcha and Chief Minister’s political secretary Jacob Khaling handed away the winners medals and trophy to the Sikkim Police team in presence of Sikkim Football Association president Menla Ethenpa.

Sikkim Himalayan SC’s runners up trophy and medals, Jasman Gurung’s ‘player of the tournament’ award, Uttam Rai’s ‘Golden Boot’ award and Abhijeet Subba’s ‘Golden Glove’ were not claimed during the award presentation ceremony.

Meanwhile, Boys Club Gangtok and Sikkim Unicorn FC have been relegated into second division after finishing as the two bottom-placed teams. They will be replaced by Sikkim Brotherhood FC and Howlers FC Singtam next season.

Sikkim Aakraman FC finished in third position, followed by United Sikkim FC, Kumar Sporting Club and SAI Namchi.