Thursday, Jul 23, 2026 08:30 [IST]
Last Update: Thursday, Jul 23, 2026 02:48 [IST]
GANGTOK,: The finals of the 65th State-level Pre-Subroto Cup International
Football Tournament 2026 were held on Tuesday at two venues -Bhaichung Stadium
in Namchi and Paljor Stadium in Gangtok.
The
Under-15 boys' and Under-17 boys' finals were played at Paljor Stadium, while
the Under-17 girls' final was held at Bhaichung Stadium.
The
Under-15 boys' final at Paljor Stadium was attended by Sikkim Sports
Development Board chairman RinzingWangyalChopel as the chief guest. Also
present were Additional Director, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Namchi,
TsheringOngmooBhutia, and Sikkim Football Association general secretary Phurba
Sherpa.
Speaking
to the media, Sports and Youth Affairs Department Joint Director (Coaching)
Jigme Y. Lepcha said the district-level tournaments were held from July 8 to 18
at Paljor Stadium and Bhaichung Stadium.
A
total of 96 school teams from all six districts participated in the tournament,
including 14 teams from Mangan, 15 from Pakyong, 26 from Gangtok, nine from
Soreng, 26 from Namchi and six from Gyalshing.
Of
the 96 teams, 30 competed in the Under-15 boys' category, 48 in the Under-17
boys' category and 18 in the Under-17 girls' category. The State-level
tournament in all three categories was held from July 20 to 22.
Lepcha
said the champion schools in each category would not only emerge as State
champions but would also represent Sikkim in the 65th Subroto International
Football Tournament 2026. The Under-15 boys' team will compete in Bengaluru,
while the Under-17 boys' and girls' teams will play in Delhi.
He
said the Subroto International Football Tournament features teams from across
India as well as from neighbouring countries, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
and Nepal.
Lepcha
added that national team selections are made after the tournament and several
football clubs and academies also scout talented players during the
competition, providing opportunities for further training and development.
He
further informed that while the participating champion schools are accompanied
by their respective school authorities, the Sports and Youth Affairs Department
provides logistical support, including travel, accommodation, food and sports
kits.
In
the Under-15 boys' final, Namchi Senior Secondary School defeated West Pandam
Senior Secondary School 3-2 to lift the title.
The
Under-17 girls' final at Bhaichung Stadium saw Soreng Senior Secondary School
defeat North Sikkim Academy Senior Secondary School, Mangan, 10-0 to emerge
champions.
The
Under-17 boys' final at Paljor Stadium was played between TashiNamgyal Senior
Secondary School, Gangtok, and Namchi Senior Secondary School. The final was
attended by the Chief Minister's Advisor, KungaNima Lepcha, as the chief guest.
TashiNamgyal
Senior Secondary School defeated Namchi Senior Secondary School 2-0 to clinch
the title and qualify for the 65th Subroto International Football Tournament in
Delhi.
With
this, Namchi Senior Secondary School (Under-15 boys), Soreng Senior Secondary
School (Under-17 girls) and TashiNamgyal Senior Secondary School (Under-17
boys) will represent Sikkim in the Subroto International Football Tournament in
their respective categories.
