Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023 08:15 [IST]
Last Update: Tuesday, Jan 31, 2023 02:35 [IST]
CM inaugurates SPL, Aakraman FC win opening match
GANGTOK,: The much anticipated Sikkim Premier League 2023 was declared open by Chief Minister P.S. Golay on Monday afternoon in a glittering opening ceremony under floodlights here at Paljor Stadium.
The franchise-based football league is being organized by Football Development Private Limited (FDPL) and sponsored by Government of Sikkim and Sikkim Urja Limited (earlier Teesta Urja Limited).
The inaugural match played was Gangtok derby between Sikkim Aakraman FC and Sikkim Dragons FC under floodlights that was enjoyed by the gathering. Sikkim Aakraman took the bragging rights by winning the match 2-1 with its player MD Lepcha scoring the first goal for the club.
In his social media post, the Chief Minister expressed his happiness on attending the SPL inaugural ceremony.
“Our government has consistently supported the sportspersons of our State, and through this initiative, we aim to provide a platform for our aspiring footballers.
I wish the organizers the best for the future, and similarly, I urge our people to be a part of this initiative and show their support by attending the upcoming matches in numbers,” shared the Chief Minister.
The opening ceremony also witnessed the performances by MTV Hustle 2.0 finalist Ugen Namgyal Bhutia (UNB), Voice of Nepal Season 4 top 10 finalist Rewash Gurung, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champ Season 9 winner Jetshen Dohna Lama and others.
Raju Lama with his band Mongolian Heart enthralled the crowd after the game.
Eight teams from all six districts are participating in this around three-and-a-half-month-long league to be played at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok and Bhaichung Stadium, Namchi with the motto #TogetherForSikkimFootball.
The next SPL game is a South Sikkim derby between Red Panda FC and Sinolchu FC on February 4.
The final is scheduled to be played on April 2. The league carries a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh to the champion, Rs. 8 lakh to runners-up and Rs 2.5 lakh each to semi-finalists.
