Wednesday, Nov 30, 2022 08:30 [IST]
Last Update: Wednesday, Nov 30, 2022 03:00 [IST]
GANGTOK,: A new eight-team Sikkim Premier League that aims to revolutionise Sikkim football has been announced by Football Development Pvt. Ltd, formed by a group of former national footballers of the State.
The organisers said the new league would offer total prize money of Rs. 10 lakh and assure players of their earnings before the season starts.
The competition is scheduled to begin in mid-January, 2023 and has the backing of Government of Sikkim and Teesta Urja Ltd. The league will see a total of 59 matches played during weekends at Paljor Stadium and Bhaichung Stadium over a period of a three and a half month.
“The concept of organizing Sikkim Premier League is to create openings for the entertainment of the masses, besides providing ample opportunities for the youth revitalizing the football and club culture in Sikkim,” the organisers said.
“Past few years Sikkim Football is at halt with no tournaments, putting at risk the careers of Sikkimese footballers. The nil development in football here saddened us and coming from a professional footballing career we know the benefits of it, therefore a platform like SPL for our boys because they deserve it,” shared the FDPL board members Nirmal Chettri, Sanju Pradhan, Bikash Jairu, Robin Gurung and Nim Tshering Lepcha.
The participating teams are: Aakraman FC (Gangtok), Sinolchu FC (Namchi), Sikkim Dragons (Gangtok), Red Panda FC (Namchi), Vajra North United (Mangan), Brothers FC (Geyzing), Singling FC (Soreng), Pakyong District FC. They are entitled to pick three players each from the draft of 30 top players.
The organisers also plan to host women’s league, kids’ tournament and North East regional knockout champion’s league in the future.