7,000 people find shelter in Gangtok's Palzor Stadium

Paljor stadium in Gangtok is a five-minute walk from Hotel Mount View. At 6.22 pm on Sunday evening, when the 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck, two football enthusiasts —a coach and a player — were watching the game: Tottenham versus Liverpool in their fourth Barclays Premier League match of the season.
But once Hotel Mount View started to shake, the coach, Jose Antonio Borges Tavares from Lisbon, Portugal and Quinton Jacobs, the midfielder from Windhoek, Namibia — both members of the Bhaichung Bhutia’s United Sikkim Football Club (USFC), ran outside — Jose, with his passport in hand.

The aftershocks magnified the chaos. This was Quinton’s first earthquake experience. His family hasn’t been able to reach him yet. And Quinton isn’t sure if his mother has seen the news yet. “I was so scared,” says the mid fielder. Coach Jose, having survived more earthquakes, says he wasn’t scared for himself as much as he was worried at the sight of “old people and children, everyone crying and running — to their cars, to the stadium.”

All of Gangtok, it seemed to him, was running towards Paljor. The captain of their ship, Bhaichung, CEO of USFC, was in his village Tinkitam in South Sikkim along with manager Arjun Rai on a football recce since the previous day. The diligent updater of the club’s Facebook page had posted updates:

“They are getting back to Gangtok but multiple road blocks and landslides have them stranded in between. They are walking, making transhipments and in touch regularly. Their family are all safe.” But with networks down, and their car rumoured to be stuck in a landslide, there was no way to get in touch.
Coach Jose spent the night on the road, next to the stadium. Quinton didn’t sleep, preferring to ditch his room for a few winks in the hotel lobby, lest the earthquake returned. “It’s all okay now we’re just waiting for Bhaichung and Arjun to return.” On Monday evening, both of them were home safe in Gangtok but remained incommunicado. Many of the team members from USFC were spread out over the state but were reported to be safe.
‘All okay’ though is a bit of a stretch. On Sunday night, by 11 pm, an estimated 7,000 locals, with blankets and bedding, took refuge in the safe open field of Paljor. “There was so much panic - women were carrying their babies and crying,” Thupten Bhutia, in-charge of the stadium, told DNA.

“The whole place was packed.” Thupten says he’d never seen anything like it before - “One man had run away from hospital to be at the stadium because he felt safer out in the open”. “Even now” - at 6.30 pm on Monday night, Thupten says, “people have started to line up outside the stadium.” In Gangtok, people are still afraid of the indoors.

Palzor Stadium was kitchen and bedroom for the earthquake night

Mangan, North Sikkim — Rescue teams backed by army sappers using explosives tried to force their way Tuesday to the remote epicentre of a powerful Himalayan earthquake that killed 67 people in India, Nepal and Tibet.

Before the grim search for more victims can even begin, the main challenge is to reach the isolated, mountainous impact zone on the border between India’s northeastern Sikkim state and Nepal after Sunday’s 6.9-magnitude quake.

Convoys of vehicles carrying rescue workers, medical teams and emergency supplies left the Sikkim capital Gangtok at daybreak Tuesday.

But progress was tortuously slow over the narrow, badly damaged roads more often frequented by groups of adventurous tourists heading for Himalayan trekking trails.

After covering just a short section of the 60-kilometre (40-mile) route to the worst-affected districts of Mangan and Chungthang, the convoys came to a complete halt, with the path ahead blocked by a huge rockfall.

As army engineers drilled holes for explosives to try and blow apart the largest boulders, rescuers could only wait in frustration along with distraught locals trying to get through to relatives — unsure whether they were alive or dead.

“I’ve been here for six hours, waiting for the army to clear the road,” said Pema Doma, 37, who has heard nothing from her parents or 16-year-old son in Mangan since the quake hit.

“I’d walk if they would let me,” Doma said. “The anxiety is killing me. What if he’s screaming for me? What if he’s calling for me and I can’t even hear him?”

Those who did attempt walking around the rockfall were stopped by soldiers, who insisted it was too dangerous to go ahead on foot.

“I know many shortcuts to reach Mangan but the army says it’s not safe,” said P. Sherpa, 62, whose son is a student at the North Sikkim Academy, a private school in Mangan.

“So all we can do is sit here and stare at the rocks,” he said.

One army official told AFP it could take up to 48 hours to clear the entire stretch of road to the quake epicentre.

One bright spot for the rescue effort was a break in the monsoon weather that allowed a resumption of helicopter flights which had been grounded most of Monday by heavy rains and low cloud.

Air force officials said food packages and small medical teams with doctors and paramedics had been air-dropped into Mangan and Sangthan.

The death toll from building collapses and landslides in Sikkim stood at 35, but Indian Home Secretary R.K. Singh warned the number could rise as emergency relief workers reached far-flung villages.

“We cannot rule out more casualties,” Singh told a news briefing in New Delhi.

More than 5,000 army troops were mobilised across the state to help clear roads and assist with the relief operation.

The Press Trust of India said 26 tourists, including 15 trekkers, had been rescued and taken to army encampments for their own safety.

Hundreds of Gangtok residents spent a second night out in the open, too scared to sleep in homes badly damaged by the quake.

Many saw out the night in the city’s football stadium, slinging plastic sheets over the goalposts or sleeping on the terraces.

“The stadium is our kitchen and bedroom for the night. We’re honestly just too scared to consider anything else,” said Amrita Laqandri, 32, as she helped make tea and warm bread on stoves brought from her family home.

There was some relief as power, cut off by the quake, was restored, but landline and mobile communications remained erratic, especially in the worst-affected areas.

In Nepal, eight people were killed and hundreds of homes destroyed or damaged in the east of the country, where rescuers faced the same problems as their Indian counterparts with rains and mudslides blocking the only highway.

Seventeen other people died in the Indian states of Bihar and West Bengal, while China’s official Xinhua news agency said seven people had been killed in southern Tibet, near the border with Sikkim.


Copyright © 2011 AFP. All rights reserved

Independence Day Football Games to kick off from 6th August

Gangtok 19 July: Sikkim Football Association, under the aegis of Home Department, Government of Sikkim will be organising the Independence Day Football Tournament for Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal Memorial Cup 2011 as a part of the Independence Day Programme at the newly laid artificial turf of Paljor Stadium, Gangtok from 6th August to 15th August 2011. In a press release issued by SFA has mentioned that, total number of 8(eight) senior football teams including United Sikkim has confirmed their participation. Amongst them five clubs are local and three teams are likely to take part from outside the state. Senior local clubs as well as teams from outside the state are excited to play in the newly laid artificial turf. SFA is hopeful that the championship are likely to be more contesting this time.

IInd Division Football S-League 2011@Gangtok

GANGTOK, July 3.The Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Mr. NK Pradhan chaired the inaugural match of the “2nd Division S-League 2011” on 2nd of July here at Paljor Stadium accompanied by the Secretary Sports Department, Mr. Karma P Bhutia, organized by the Sikkim Football Association (SFA).

After a decade, SFA has conducted the I-League matches with great expectation in a newly laid astro turf, for uplifting the budding players from the state. It is learnt that the league will conclude on 27th of August. The first day of the 2nd Division match was played between Central Pandam and Lower Arithang FC where central Pandam defeated Lower Arithang FC by 3 points to nil whereas in the second match UTB FC Jorethang defeated UBFC Rabong with 7 goals against 1. On the second day, that is on 3rd July the match was played between Bhaleydunga FC West Sikkim and Middle Arithang, Bhaleydunga FC scored four goals to nil where as in the second match Brotherhood scored three goal against two and defeated Tathengchen FC. The matches played on the first day of the 2nd Division S- league went well and the most interesting part was that a huge number of spectators were present to see the match.

Deputy Director (Coaching) Sports Department Mr. Thupden Rapgyal while speaking to Sikkim Mailsaid that “We do hope that the 2nd Division S- league matches will be successful and ensure that we have the best team this time selected for playing the first league matches to be played in the days to come ” added Mr. Rapgyal.
A total of 12 teams from across the state have taken part which appears to be a very good participation. Adding further Mr. Rapgyal said that, we had never seen any teams playing with such enthusiasm but the excitement in the players to play and perform in turf is extraordinary; in discovering their skills in this format of game. “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the State Government for providing such a platform for the footballers here in the capital” was shared by one of the football team
during the match, added Mr. Rapgyal.

Further more Mr. Rapgyal stated that, all the teams are equally competitive and SFA is looking forward in selecting the best two team from this league to perform in the 1st Division I-League matches to be organized in a month’s time.

Sikkim Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling inaugurates renovated Paljor Stadium

GANGTOK,May28- The renovated Paljor Stadium with its world class artificial turf field was inaugurated formally by the Sikkim Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling on 28th of May.

The inauguration day saw an exhibition match between Bhaichung Bhutia’s United Sikkim Football Club (USFC) and Minister’s XI comprising of Sikkimese Footballers playing in different clubs around the country and some foreign players. The function also witnessed drills performed by the different school students as well. The turf laid at Paljor stadium is manufactured by the Field Turf Tarkett, Georgia, USA whereas the project was executed by the Great Sports Infrastructure Private Limited which started on 1st of January this year. The total sanctioned cost for the project is Rs.3.77 crores. Apart from laying the artificial turf, the department of sports had also taken up many renovation works in the Paljor stadium.

Addressing the people in Stadium,Gangtok MLA & the Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Mr. Karma P Bhutia mentioned that the entire infrastructure development is the contribution of the Sikkim Chief Minister to the people of Sikkim .

Secretary Mr. Bhutia added that, due to joint efforts from all concerned corners the project was completed at the right time and also added that the surface was composed of monofilament polyethylene blend fibres tufted into a polypropylene backing.

Mr. Bhutia stated in his technical report  that “the infill is composed of a bottom layer of silica sand, middle layer with a mixture of sand and cryogenic rubber and the top layer is covered with only rubber. The fibres are meant to replicate blades of grass while the infill acts as a cushion which improves safety compared to earlier artificial surfaces and allows players to plant and pivot as if they are playing on a grassy field”.

The surface is also beneficial considering its low cost maintenance and durability. The Paljor Stadium which covers more than 93,000 sq feet of artificial turf is also the largest in the SAARC region. Some teams had also practiced on this newly laid turf where they have given optimistic response and the artificial turf laid is also feasible for Gangtok’s climate.

After the inauguration, the ground was opened for all footballers for carrying out their regular practice, coaching camp and Gangtokians for  jogging & fitness. The department also be issuing the identity card to regular users to avoid the entry of miscreants in the stadium. “Digging and public functions will be avoided in the ground” stated the Secretary.

Furthermore Secretary informed that, the artificial turf will help the footballer to improve their technical skills and added that, the United Sikkim Football Club has approached the department for using the Paljor Stadium and the department will provide them the ground only after paying the fees applicable

Astroturf pitch in the Gangtok Football Stadium by Sikkim CM

GANGTOK, 25 May: The artificial turf laid out at Paljor Stadium is all set to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister on 28 May. With its Astroturf cover spread across a handsome 93,000+ sq feet, Paljor Stadium is now the largest Astroturf in the SAARC Region.
The inauguration will feature an exhibition match between Bhaichung Bhutia’s United Sikkim Football Club [USFC] and Minister’s XI made up of Sikkimese footballers playing in different clubs around the country and some foreign players.
The Astroturf was manufactured by the FieldTurf Tarkett, Georgia, USA, and the project executed by the Great Sports Infrastructure Private Limited. Work began on 01 January this year and completed at a cost of sanctioned cost of Rs 3.77 crores.
Apart from laying the artificial turf, the department had also taken up many renovation works at the stadium.
Addressing a press conference today, the Sports & Youth Affairs Secretary, Karma P Bhutia, mentioned that the entire infrastructure is the contribution of the Chief Minister to the people of Sikkim.
He informed that apart from the cultural programmes, the inaugural function will also have a surprise item during the interval of the exhibition match.
He gave full credit to the officials of the department and other organisations involved on the completion of the project within its scheduled time.
The playing surface is composed of monofilament polyethylene blend fibres tufted into a polypropylene backing. The infill is made up of a bottom layer of silica sand, a middle layer which is a mixture of sand and cryogenic rubber and a top layer of rubber.
The fibres are meant to replicate blades of grass, while the infill acts as a cushion, which improves safety compared to earlier artificial surfaces while still allowing players to “plant and pivot” as if they were playing on a grass field.
Mr Bhutia informed that the surface is also beneficial due to its low-cost maintenance and durability.
He further informed that some teams have practiced on this turf, including Bhaichung and his club, and have given a positive endorsement. Artificial turf is also more suited for Gangtok weather than the plains.
After the inauguration, the ground will be opened for all footballers for regular practice and coaching camps and for other disciplines for fitness. The department will also be issuing the identity cards for regular users to deny access to miscreants to the stadium complex.
He informed that digging and public functions will be avoided at the ground.
He added that the artificial turf will also help footballers improve their technical skills.
He informed that the United Sikkim Football Club has approached the department for use of the Paljor Stadium and the department will provide them the ground on payment of a fee.
The Secretary informed that the department will also take up other developmental and renovation works in the stadium later this year.

(Now Daily)

Bhaichung’s team to play on inaugural day of artificial turf at the Paljor Stadium,Gangtok

PALZOR STADIUM OF GANGTOK,SIKKIM

Gangtok, May 7: The work of laying an artificial turf at the Paljor Stadium is complete and the ground is now awaiting the inauguration that is likely to be held at the end of this month.

Sikkim sports secretary Karma P. Bhutia said an exhibition soccer match would be played between the United Sikkim and an I-League club on the inaugural day.

The United Sikkim club, co-owned by Bhaichung Bhutia, is presently taking part in a competition in the second division I-League final round in Shillong. The contest will end by the third week of May.

“Work for laying the artificial turf at Paljor Stadium started from January 1 and the project was completed at the end of April. This is the fourth stadium in the country to have an astro-turf after the stadiums in Goa, Calcutta and Aizwal,” said Bhutia.

The sports secretary said with the the artificial turf at the stadium, football lovers of Sikkim and upcoming players would have a lot to cheer about.

“Till now there was a lack of ground for footballers to play or practise in Gangtok. With the artificial turf, which can be extensively used as compared to natural grass and requires zero maintenance for a minimum of eight years, they can practise freely and we hope that a lot of talent will come out in coming years,” he said.

The artificial turf cost Rs 3.77 crore.

According to Bhutia, apart from football, other sporting activities like taekwondo and handball, which do not damage the pitch, can also be held on the artificial surface.

He said the sports department would issue identity cards for sportspersons to avail themselves of the facilities at the stadium.

The artificial turf had been a pending demand of football lovers here as the natural grass pitch at the stadium had been deteriorating over the years.

“I am not a great fan of the artificial turf but Gangtok requires an artificial turf because there is not enough space for footballers to play. You don’t have much time to play in a natural grass pitch as it would require maintenance but you can have football during the whole year on an artificial turf. Maintenance is also easy and we needed an artificial turf simply because of space constraints,” Bhaichung said over the phone from Shillong.

Although no formal invitation has been extended to his club, also known as the ‘Snow Lions’ club, to play on the inaugural day, Bhaichung said he was always ready to support the state government and be a part of the opening day festivities.

“Given a chance I will be happy to play in the ground in which I grew up,” said the footballer, who used to play on the ground when he was a school student. The ground had a sandy pitch and used to be known as Polo Ground then.

It was during one of the matches at the Governor’s Gold Cup at the stadium that the teenager was first noticed and picked up by East Bengal team.

The Paljor Stadium will also be the home ground for Bhaichung’s club which is currently in the third position in the second division of the I-League final round behind Shillong Lajong and Vasco FC.

“We are planning to hire the football pitch for our club. We will be requiring the pitch for two hours daily for practice,” said Bhaichung.

He said the sports department could set up floodlights and construct roof over the gallery on the hillside to make the stadium more appealing.

When asked about how the artificial turf would promote football in Sikkim, Bhaichung said: “I am sure it will benefit better than grass where you cannot allow play everyday. But with astro-turf there is an opportunity to play every day and it will benefit all.”

Gangtok Stadium is 4th stadium in country to have artificial turf

GANGTOK-  Paljor Stadium has become only the fourth Stadium in the country to have an international standard artificial turf. Paljor Stadium is ready with its new look. The long due artificial turf laying process has been completed. Now after months of wait the football players can finally enjoy their game in this new football field. The revamping was completed at a cost of Rs. 3.77 crores. The work for had started from 1st January of this year.

The new ground is only waiting for a formal inauguration. Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Karma P Bhutia informed Sikkim Mail that the department is planning the inauguration sometime after 14th May. They have also plans to invite two I League football teams for a match on the inaugural day. The Secretary in this regard also informed that the United Sikkim Football Club has already been invited and now the department is looking for another major I League player.

The department wants to make the inaugural day memorable and remarkable in all possible ways. The Secretary added that all over in India the first artificial turf was laid in Goa, then after in Salt Lake (Kolkata), then Aizawl and now in Sikkim and it is an honor to say that the Sikkim has the biggest artificial turf laid ground among all these three places. The local students will also present cultural programme on the occasion. Lastly he stated that the task of artificial turf laying completed in record time which took nearly of 3 months and 10 days

Gangtok Stadium Gets facelift

The work of laying artificial turf has begun in war footing at Paljor Stadium ground from 1st of January 2011. The artificial turf to be laid at Paljor Stadium is known as the Field Turf Outdoor Series of 65 mm thickness, which is same as laid at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.

The work is being carried out by American based company; Field Turf Tarkett in association with Great Sports Infra Private Limited of India. The works is scheduled to be completed by 31st of March 2011 at a cost of Rs 3.77crores that has been sanctioned as the cost of the project.

Speaking to media today, the Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Mr. Karma P Bhutia said that this artificial turf has been manufactured in Georgia, USA and it is maintenance free and comes with warranty for eight years. Adding further said that the artificial turf of same quality is laid at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, which have been rated two stars by FIFA. Adding further Mr. Bhutia informed that after completion of the work FIFA or AFC will inspect our ground and would provide rating accordingly. Similarly added that there will be sub-grade consisting of different sizes and aggregates below the turf, which will be rolled and compacted with slopes towards the eastern and western galleries for rain water outlet and Silica and rubber granules would also be pasted on the top of sub-grade.

Secretary further added that once the artificial turf laying is over then the ground can be utilized for any sports inclusive of football which would not damage the surface. Furthermore secretary added that the ground can be used six days a week and no damage in the surface will be seen as this turf is maintenance free too. He added that the game of football here in Paljor Stadium will be faster due to the turf and skilled players would be able to showcase their skills as well.

In regards to work initiated on artificial turfing, Secretary said that the department is supervising the work to ensure quality. Similarly in respect to other developments of ground across the state the department is trying to develop Khel Gaon for athletes and football and similarly Tadong college ground is considered for development soon.

Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi is also to be developed soon to a world class stadium along with Kyongsa, Gyalshing and public ground of Mangan. As per the directives of the Chief Minister an Archery Academy is on the pipeline in South Sikkim along with those medal prospect sports of state like Taekwondo, Wushu, Boxing , Badminton and others are also to be given priority in infrastructure, coaching and availability of equipments for their development.

Courtesy: Sikkim Mail

Two-day tribal archery competition @Gangtok concluded

GangtokNov13: The 5th State level tribal archery competition with 56 participants from all the four districts, 32 men and 24 women, which began on Tuesday, November 10, was concluded on Wednesday at Paljor Stadium here. The competition was organized by Sikkim Archery Association (SAA).
Mr. N K Pradhan, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Department (SYAD) was chief guest on the concluding day. Mr. Dorjee Namgyal, MLA, Gangtok, Mr. T T Bhutia, Minister, SNT, PHE and President of SAA, Mr. H K Chettri, Secretary, SYAD were guests on the occasion. Two archery Olympians of India, Mr. Tarun Deep Rai and Ms. Dola Banarjee and National coach Mr. Ran Bahadur Tamang were present to witness the competition final.
The competition was in two categories, men and women. Mr. Yogesh Limboo of south district with 617 points ranked 1st among boys and Ms. Ongchok Choden Bhutia of east district with 457 points got 1st position in girls category.
Tarun Deep Rai, who recently won individual gold in Asian Ground Prix Championship in Bangladesh, and his coach R B Tamang informed that to expose local talents, they have prepared a project for an archery institute in the State. Mr. Tamang said he has worked hard for 17 years to complete the project.

Manipur wins 1st All India Women's Football Championship in Sikkim

Gangtok,October16: Manipur lifted the 1st All India Women's Football Championship for Pem Dorjee Memorial Cup in Gangtok on Thursday beating Orissa 3-2 via tie breaker in the final. Both the teams were locked 0-0 at the end of the allotted time. In the tie breaker Manipur prevailed over Orrisa to lift the glittering trophy.
TT Bhutiya, Minister for PHED and Sikkim Transport Corporation, was the Chief Guest of the final and felicitated the players. NK Pradhan, Minister for HRD & Sports, was the Guest of Honour.
Sushmita Mullick (Orissa) was adjudged the player of the tournament. Prameshwari Devi (Manipur) bagged the highest scorer of the tournament award and Geeta Sharma (goalkeeper Orrisa) was declared the beat player of the final.

Orissa to take on Manipur in final in All India Women's Football tournament

Gangtok, Oct 13 : Orissa rode on striker Sasmita Malik's hat-trick to spank Sikkim 'Red' 3-0 and set up the title-clash with Manipur in first Prem Dorjee Memorial All India Women's Football tournament at Paljor Stadium, here today.

Meanwhile, favourite Manipur defeated West Bengal 1-0 as midfielder Rani Devi scored the all-important goal for Manipur in the 64th minute to ensure their passage to the final.

The final would be played on October 15.

Sikkim 'Red' in semifinals in Women's Football Championship

Gangtok, Oct 12 (PTI) Sikkim 'Red' defeated Assam 2-0 in their last Group A league match to reach the semifinals of first Pempa Dorji Memorial All India Women's Football Championship at Paljor Stadium here.

Skipper Nima Lhamu Bhutia scored both goals for the local team.

In a Group B encounter, Orissa thrashed Sikkim 'Green' 6-0 to storm into the semifinals.

Striker Susmita Mallik scored a hattrick, while Thumki Muda, Sanjita Patra and Goma T Bara also chipped in with a goal each.

West Bengal was the other team to qualify for the last four stage from Group B behind Orissa.

Manipur had already qualified for the semifinals from Group A.

The first semifinal will be played tomorrow between Manipur and West Bengal, while Sikkim 'Red' will lock horns with Orissa in the other last four match a day after tomorrow

Sher Bahadur Chettri wins Airtel Sikkim Half Marathon

GANGTOK, October 12: Sher Bahadur Chettri from IRB won the open men’s category of 19th Airtel Sikkim Half Marathon conducted today here in Gangtok by Sikkim Amateur Athletic Association (SAAA).
Mr. Chettri covered a distance of 21 kms from Paljor Stadium to Bulbuley and back in 1 hour 19 minutes and 54 seconds. He was followed by Namjeer Lepcha and Nima Tshering Tamang in second and third positions and Sandeep Kumar and Roshan Mangar in the fourth and fifth positions respectively.
Manjali Tamang from Enchey SSS won the U-16 girls event by covering a distance of 15 kms in 1 hour 10 minutes and 19 seconds. She was followed by Anita Dhakal and Savita Sunar in second and third position while Hem Kumari Khadka and Dilu Maya Sharma secured fourth and fifth position respectively.
SUMI, Kalimpong runner Prabal Chettri came first in the U-16 boys event by covering 15 kms distance in 54 minutes and 51 seconds while Buddha Bahadur Subba and Devilal Sharma came second and third respectively. Puran Rai and Yum Prasad Sharma came fourth and fifth respectively in the same event.
The U-13 girls event of 10 kms was won by Dolma Sherpa from Enchey senior secondary school in 45 minutes followed by Lali Maya Mangar and Durga Maya Subba came second and third respectively. Susma Chettri and Chandra Maya Biswakarma came fourth and fifth respectively in the same event.
Bidai Subba from Dentam senior secondary school won the U-13 boys event in 40 minutes 17 seconds followed by Dawa Tshering Sherpa and Sankar Biswakarma came second and third respectively. Vijay Singh and Deepak Chettri came fourth and fifth respectively.
All the top five runners of each event received cash prizes, medals and certificates which were presented to them by State Sports minister NK Pradhan, the chief guest on the occasion.
Kessang Dorjee and Passang Lhamu received cash prizes for being the youngest participants in the event courtesy women’s wing of Sikkim Football Association.
Earlier in the morning at around 8 am, the Sports minister flagged off the marathon event from Paljor Stadium where around 800 runners from all parts of the State and outside participated.
Airtel CEO Deepak Srivastava was also present during the half marathon event organized by SAAA.
The SAAA also presented mementos to the Sports minister, Airtel CEO and Sadar Police Station in-charge PI Tshering Sherpa during the closing ceremony of the event.
The event was wrapped up after the minister declared the 19th Sikkim Half Marathon closed

Manipur beats Sikkim 'Red' in Prem Dorjee Memorial Cup

Gangtok, Oct 11 (PTI) Manipur today defeated Sikkim 'Red' 3-0 to top the Group A with nine points, while Group B match between Tamil Nadu and West Bengal was drawn 1-1 in the first Prem Dorjee Memorial All India Women's Football tournament at Paljor Stadium here.


Prameshwari Devi (2) and S Rina Roy Devi (1) scored for Manipur, who have not conceded a single goal in three matches and scored 25 till now in the tournament.Sikkim 'Red' and Assam, having three points apiece, will play against each other tomorrow in a crucial tie that will decide the second semifinalist from Group A, after Manipur.

Tamil Nadu and West Bengal shared one point each after they played out a 1-1 draw. Tamil Nadu established 1-0 lead in the 46th minute from a goal by Angal Adolfes.

Soma Seal struck the equaliser in the 69th minute.

Assam defeat Darjeeling, Orissa draws with Bengal in Gangtok

Gangtok,October11: Assam notched up its first win when it defeated KFA,Darjeeling 2-0 in a Group 'A' encounter of the 1st All India Women Football Championship being played here at Palzor Stadium ,Gangtok.
Helen Hamar in 17th minute and Champa devi in 71 st minute scored the goals for Assam which now has got 3 points out of two matches it played so far.
Assam will qualify for the Semi Finals from its group if it defeats Sikkim Red during its third and final qualifying match on October11. Manipur has already qualified for the Semis from Group 'A'.
In a Match of Group 'B' played yesterday Orissa and Bengal were locked in a 1-1 draw and shared one point each .Susmita Mallik had given Orissa the lead in the 35th minute but Shilpi Dey scored an equalizer in the54 th minute for Bengal.
Orissa has 4 points from two matches while Bengal has one point from the same number of the matches in Group B.Sikkim Red takes on Manipur while Tamilnadu played against Bengal today at Palzor Stadium.1st All India Senior Women's National Football Championship for Prem Dorjee memorial Cup is organised by SFA.

Manipur in semifinal of Women's Football Championship

Gangtok,October10: Title contender Manipur today defeated Assam 4-0 to enter the semifinals of 1st Pempa Dorjee Memorial All India Women's Football Championship at Paljor Stadium here yesterday.

Striker I Prameshwhori Devi scored a brace, while M Bembem Devi and the skipper Sh Rani Devi struck goal a piece for Manipur.

With six points in kitty, Manipur will play against Sikkim 'Red' in their last league tie on October 11.

In the other match, Tamil Nadu kept their hopes alive for a semifinal berth defeating Sikkim 'Green' 2-0. Striker Angal Adolfes and substitute N Kanaga Valli scored one goal each for the winners.

In today's fixture, Orissa will play against West Bengal, while KFA Darjeeling will take on Assam.

Artificial grass turf for Paljor Stadium planned

GANGTOK, October 9: In a first sign of hope for the football pitch of Paljor Stadium which has been disintegrating into a wetland lately during rainfall, a US based multinational company made a presentation today in front of concerned stakeholders here at the conference hall of the stadium for evolving the pitch into the next generation artificial grass, FieldTurf.
State sports minister NK Pradhan, Gangtok MLA Dorjee Namgyal Bhutia (who had highlighted the need for artificial turf at Paljor Stadium during this year’s budget session in the Assembly) and executive members of Sikkim Football Association including working president BK Roka and general secretary Menla Ethanpa witnessed the 15 minute presentation by Rupesh Tiku, national sales manager of FieldTurf Tarkett.
The company is a global leader in artificial grass and sports surfaces and boasts a clientele of NFL teams and European football clubs including those from English Premier League and Spanish La Liga. The company is also recommended by FIFA.
Top clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona have artificial grass in their football stadiums.
The company has already delivered the first artificial football turf of SAARC nations at Goa in 2004 and recently completed the Salt Lake Stadium football turf project. The artificial turf at Salt Lake Stadium fetched great appreciation during the recent IFA Shield tournament as the pitch stood firm and impervious against the monsoon onslaught.
Highlighting the success of artificial turf for sporting events especially American football and soccer, Mr. Tiku said that the company’s patented artificial grass ‘FieldTurf’ is the second generation of artificial grass in the world after astro turf. The ‘FieldTurf’ is non-allergic, non-toxic and above all requires zero-maintenance during its stipulated life of 15 years cutting down maintenance costs.
For the record, the football pitch at Paljor Stadium costs Rs. 15 lakhs for maintenance.
Another big advantage of the ‘FieldTurf’ is that it’s unmatched water drainage prowess at the rate of 14 inches per hour. You need a flood of Biblical proportions to stop a match in a ‘FieldTurf’ pitch.
No weather can stop FieldTurf, said Mr. Tiku. He added that the ‘FieldTurf’ pitch can withstand temperatures up to 150 degree Celsius and the pitch remains lush green even after extensive use daily.
Mr. Tiku said that a FieldTurf stadium can be used for commercial ventures and rented out for conventions or other ground based sports like hockey and cricket can be played.
After the presentation, sports minister Pradhan enquired about the timeframe and costs to install artificial grass into a stadium like Paljor Stadium.
It was replied that that it will take five months to install the artificial grass in Paljor Stadium at a cost of around Rs. 3.5 crore.
SFA general secretary Ethanpa said the presentation was very positive and the organization remains much hopeful for an artificial turf in the Paljor Stadium.
It may be recalled that the pitch had received much flak during the recent Governor’s Gold Cup football tournament and calls have been made for an artificial turf.
Other Northeastern States like Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya have already processed works to have artificial turfs in their stadiums, it is informed.

Manipur beat Darjeeling in women's football Chmapionship

Gangtok, Oct 9 : Title favourite Manipur overwhelmed KFA Darjeeling 18-3 in a Group A league match of First Pempa Dorji Memorial All India Women``s Football Championship at Paljor Stadium here yesterday. Striker I Prameshwori Devi scored a double hat-trick, as Manipur women pulverlised the rival team scoring nine goals each in either side of the 90-minute match.

Devi``s teammate Ph Bina Devi also hammerd a hat-trick. Bem Bem Devi and substitute Ksh Naocha Devi also scored a brace each for Manipur.

Meanwhile, in Group-B league tie, Orissa defeated Tamil Nadu 2-0 with Susmita Mallik and captain Sradhanjali Samantary being the scorers, while Sikkim Green lost to West Bengal 0-3. Paromita Sit, Nosaba Alam and Sujata Kar scored for West Bengal.

In today``s fixture, Manipur will play Assam, while Sikkim ``Green`` will take on Tamil Nadu.

Sikkim beat Darjeeling by 10 goals in Women's Football Championship

Gangtok,Oct 7:Sikkim 'Red' today scored an emphatic victory over KFA Darjeeling by 10 goals to three and earned full three points in the first match of the inaugural All India Women's Football Championship being played here at Paljor stadium.

The event, a first in the country, is being organised by the women's wing of Sikkim Football Association (SFA).

Sikkim 'Red' captain Nima Lhamu Bhutia scored four goals and a brace each by Mongmit Lepcha, Pabitra Limboo and Ran Maya Rai completed the rout for the Darjeeling team.

The second match of the day between Tamil Nadu and Orissa was called off after the halftime due to bad weather conditions. Both sides were locked in a goal less draw and the remaining 30 minutes of the match will be played tomorrow.
Title contenders Manipur will play against KFA Darjeeling tomorrow while Sikkim Green will take on Bengal.
The tournament has been drawn up in the league system with four teams in two groups.
Two top teams from each group will progress into the semis which will start from October 13.