Introduction
More than scenic beauty and culturally vibrant, Sikkim in the eastern Himalayas is also quite famous for its soccer loving population. Culturally people of Sikkim largely love football and it has been clearly felt during the numerous tours of football carnivals that take place in Sikkim every year. Of these the most important is the Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup, which is a traditional competition with a long-standing tradition, and which is attractive to teams and spectators from different Indian states.
The Origins and History of Football in Sikkim
Sikkim football originated during the British times when the sport was taken to many parts of India. But, it attained professional form in the era of independence. Like in many other north eastern states, football in Sikkim culture became a passion where everyone started to play the sport. The geography of the region, and its hilly nature, coupled with the strong family structure, has given birth to small associations and clubs almost in each district with football being very competitive. The historical development of Football in Sikkim started officially with in the formation of Sikkim football Association ( SFA) that played major role in popularizing the game and conducting local levels. In the subsequent years, the sport began to grow, and consequently, there was the desire to have a tournament that would increase in equal measure to the all-embracing interest and talent for the sport at the state level.
The Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup
Famous football tournament of Sikkim is Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup which has been established as premier event for Indian football. The tournament only began in 1979 and from this time to the other, it has recorded some transformations in terms of size and recognition. Sikkim Football Association organizes the Governor’s Gold Cup and in earlier editions it also used to witness clubs of top tiers from throughout the country and occasionally, teams from some foreign countries as well. The ground in which the tournament will bee hosted is the Paljor Stadium, right at the center of the Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Paljor Stadium, often known to as the Mecca of Soccer in Sikkim is a hill station which adds the thrill of the football matches besides affording stunning view of the mountains. It has a carrying capacity of approximately two thousand and five hundred supporters and has been used to stage other national competition games apart from Gold Cup. The Governor’s Gold Cup is usually staged from the later part of the year, in October –November and it often takes about two weeks. Its tournament format adopted is knock-out where competitors therefore fight for spot to this title. Some of football clubs that have participated in the tournament in the previous years include Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Dempo SC and Salgaocar FC among others, which added more competition to its banners.
Gold Cup’s Significance and its Relevance
Looking at the historical background of the Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup, one cannot underestimate contribution of the event in overall football d Documentation on the event highlights the extent to which the Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup has shaped football in the area. It also gives hope for local talents to participate against some of the best team talents in the country. The tournament has been an avenue for most players from Sikkim to find better prospects in the Indian football fraternity. Bhaichung Bhutia is one of the most popular footballer from Sikkim and is called the icon of Indian football. The Governor’s Gold Cup is especially valuable to Bhutia because this was the event, which offered him a chance to perform in front of large clubs that could sign him. Bhutia himself had a great carrier playing for India’s national team as a captain and for clubs like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan in India and Bury FC in England. His success story can make a dream come true for other young footballers in Sikkim and other Northeastern states.
The tournament has also a sentimental value for the people of Sikkim so football is more than a game to them it is celebration time for them. The Gold Cup pulls the people of the entire state to Paljor Stadium by fixating on football events. Celebration of the tournament in Gangtok: the locals together with businesspeople fully participate in the occasion.
Promoting Football Tourism
The Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup has also played it’s part in the development of football tourism within the state. Sikkim has all lure of natural beauty to attract tourist round the year in large numbers but the Gold Cup has further prospect for tourist attraction. People from different part of the country come to watch the football tournament traveling to Gangtok not only to enjoy a football fever but also the majestic beauty of the place. It also creates the attention of media since it attracts national sports Channels and magazine. This not only underlines the Sikkim’s appreciation towards football but also bring out the favorable opportunities for the sporting tournament at the Sikkim. Other than these FOOTBALL Tournament in Sikkim are there. Even though the most famous competition is the Governor’s Gold Cup, Sikkim has other football events. There are several other tournaments, which can be main and local, as well as state, to describe how football is developed in Sikkim.
Independence Day Football Tournament:
This is the other football event, which is conducted annually in Sikkim This event is generally conducted so as to test the talent of the people in football. Unfortunately the tournament is named and it takes place in order to celebrate India’s Independence Day only. Some of the local clubs and teams and teams from neighboring states participate in it. It is a way nay, through which junior players are given the opportunity to play competitive tennis during the tournament. All India Chief Minister’s Football Tournament: This is another football event held in Sikkim, normally it involve teams from various parts of the country. It plays the role of encouraging the development of football in the region as well as acting as a way of identifying fresh talents. The state government actively participate in the organization and promotion of this particular tournament.
Sub-Junior and Junior State Tournaments:
The Sikkim Football Association has also organized different age group athletics to develop young talents in this field. These are sub-junior and junior competitions that create the tournament base for the future top-ranked player. Of particular importance for the further development of football in the state, is the promotion of the grassroots interest of the SFA.
Soccer Nigeria: Football Infrastructure and Development
It is also noteworthy that, increment in infrastructure and the coaching standards have also contributed to the success of football tournaments in Sikkim. The state government with the support of the Sikkim Football Associations have sourced funds to develop football infrastructure in the state. The venue of the current adoption is Paljor Stadium which has been developed to meet the modern standard training and stadium grounds, Currently work is ongoing to put up more training grounds and stadiums in other parts of Sikkim as well. Moreover, few years of development in sikkim have witnessed the establishment of the academies of football, both private and government based academies that pay focuses to the upbringing of young talents. These academies also aim to address not only for the enhancement of their skills in the playing field but also for the conditioning that will best fit for the higher degrees of play.
Development Challenges and the way Forward
From the foregoing it can be seen that, although deeply involved with football, Sikkim has problems similar to many of the smaller states. Lack of funds, inadequate facilities especially in the rural regions and ability to match states which have much better facilities and infrastructures are the main challenges. Nevertheless, thanks to the continuous support of the state government, Grant SFA and private sponsors all these challenges are gradually overcome.
In the future, let alone having football personalities like Bhaichung Bhutia the future of football in Sikkim can become a normal venue for national and international football competitions. The Governor’s Gold Cup has a tradition and loyal fans behind its back so the tournament is set to remain a fixture in Sikkim’s football calendars in the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
Sikkim derives its very existence and identity from football in most of the ways possible. In particular the football tournaments under the State’s own banner particularly the Sikkim Governor Gold Cup has been helpful for the support of the game and more so for the football talent opportunity to nurture.. However, as football development in Sikkim, and youth talent identification and development proceeds the impact on Indian football cannot be denied. The tournaments, the passion, and the love for the game will go on in the same way to represent the people of Sikkim and the beacon of the state”s sporting dreams.