Football tourney in memory of Late South Zilla Adhyaksha kicks off

NAMCHI, 29 Jan: The Late Ravi Chandra Gurung Memorial Football Tournament 2012 kicked off on Saturday here at Singithang ground, Namchi, South Sikkim. 23 teams from different Zillas of South district will be playing knockout matches in the tournament which is being organized by Zilla Panchayat South in collaboration with the Sports and Youth Affairs Department.
On the inaugural day, MLA Namchi-Singithang, Binod Rai was present as the chief guest while it was also attended by Chairman NMC, BT Tamang, Upa Adhyaksha South, Himal Tamang, JD Sport & Youth Affairs, Kamal Chettri.
Delivering the welcome address Upa Adhyaksha South, Himal Tamang informed that Zilla Panchayat South is organizing the first football tournament in memory of Lt. Adhyaksha South, Ravi Chandra Gurung. “He was an efficient and honest officer who always worked for the upliftment of the poor and his sudden death is a big loss for the State”, said Mr Tamang. This tournament is being organised in order to remember him and his work, he added.
The chief guest, in his address, expressed his sadness on losing an able people’s representative and added that through this tournament his contribution towards the people of Sikkim will always be remembered. A traditional cultural programme was also presented by the different groups on the day.
The first match was played between Namphing-Bermiok and Chisopani wherein the former team was thrashed by the boys of Chisopani ending with the final score of 9-0.
The final match of the tourney will be played on 16 February and the winner of the tournament will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 70, 000 along with trophy while the runners-up will be awarded Rs 50, 000 along with trophy.
The programme was also attended by Zilla Panchayats, Panchayats and officers from various departments.