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.