Sikkim Rising Star: Under-17 football tournament to begin today

GANGTOK,: The second edition of ‘Sikkim Rising Star: Under-17 Football Fiesta’, organised by the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps in collaboration with Sikkim Football Association (SFA), is set to begin on December 12. The tournament will take place at Palzor Stadium in Gangtok and Baichung Stadium in Namchi.

The Sikkim Rising Star tournament, first held in February 2024, saw participation from eight teams and was praised for its organization and impact. Recognizing its success, the Indian Army has expanded the second edition to feature 16 teams—10 boys’ teams and 6 girls’ teams—representing all six districts of Sikkim.

These teams include participants from remote and far-flung areas, reflecting the Army’s mission to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for every talented youngster, informs a press release.

The participating boys’ teams are Gangtok Himalayan Sporting Club (Gangtok District), Northerners Football Club (Mangan), Pendam Football Academy (Pakyong), Chujachen Sports Academy ( Pakyong), Academy Knights Football Club (Gangtok), Sinolchu Football Club (Namchi), Young Boys Football Academy (Gyalshing), Yuksom Friends Forever Sports Club (Gyalshing), Friends Football Club (Namchi) and Sanju Football Academy (Soreng).

The girls’ team are Northerners Football Club (Mangan), United Bojoghari Sporting Club (Gangtok), Pakyong United Sporting Club (Pakyong), Maneybong Dentam Sports Society (Gyalshing), Singling Football Club (Soreng) and Friends Football Club (Namchi).

One of the standout features of this tournament is its emphasis on women’s empowerment, the release mentions. “The inclusion of six girls’ teams underscores the importance of providing a platform for young female athletes to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams. Women’s football in Sikkim has seen a steady rise, and initiatives like this tournament play a crucial role in breaking stereotypes and inspiring young girls to step into the sports arena.”