New Search for More Bhaichungs to begin 24 Dec

GANGTOK, 08 Dec: The Department of Sports & Youth Affairs has announced the selection trials under the ‘Search for More Bhaichungs’ scheme to seek out talented footballers for admission to the Namchi Sports Hostel and Sikkim Sports Academy, Gangtok.

The State government launched this unique scheme in the year 1998 to spot talented footballers across the state and to further nurture, train and enhance their skills. Under this scheme the state has produced many talented footballers, who have been playing for various reputed football clubs across the country. One such product of this scheme, Nirmal Chettri, is with East Bengal FC at present and playing in the first eleven for India in the ongoing SAFF Tournament.
An SYA press release informs that those in the age group of 10 to 13 years are eligible to attend the selection trials for Namchi Sports Hostel, while those between 15 to 17 years are eligible to attend the selection trials for Sikkim Sports Academy.
According to the release, the department will conduct the district-level selection at Kyongsa Ground [Gyalshing], Paljor Stadium, [Gangtok] and Bhaichung Stadium [Namchi] on 24 and 25 December, while the selection trials at Mangan is scheduled to be held on 03 and 04 January next year. The trials at all these venues will be conducted between 9 AM and 4 PM.
The selected candidates will be provided with free boarding and sports kits by the government. However, parents are requested to provide the stationeries, admission and other school fees of their ward, the release mentions.
Interested candidates for the selection trials are required to produce their Birth Certificate in original issued by the Bureau & Economics & Statistics, the release adds. No TA and DA will be provided for attending the selection trials.