Stars descend on Paljor Stadium for Super Sunday

SUPER STAR XI GO DOWN 4 -7 AGAINST BHAICHUNG’S USFC IN SUPPORT OF SIKKIM 
GANGTOK, 22 Jan: History was created today when the world’s finest veteran footballers and celebrities clashed against Bhaichung Bhutia’s USFC here at Paljor Stadium today. The Charity event was organized by JPR Events, the Government of Sikkim and Bhaichung Bhutia himself. This is probably the first time that many of these legendary players are playing a match here in this country, and Sikkim proudly hosted such a mega event putting itself in the footballing map of the world.
The veteran footballers who named their team the ‘Super Star XI’ included greats like former Dutch striker, Rudd Gullit and Frenchman Christian Karembue along with celebrities like the legendary Scorpion guitarist, Rudolf Schenker, Bollywood actors Rahul Bose and Neha Dhupia who cheered the team from the stands.
The Super Star XI team however lost to USFC, 4 -7 but that did not stop the excitement in the audience who had gathered here from all over the state and outside. This is for the first time that such a mega event has been organized in Sikkim and the new astro-turf at the stadium showcased a game which was of international standards. It may also be mentioned that the charity event has been organized to support the Sikkimese people who suffered the brunt of the 18 Sept 2011 earthquake.
The event started with Kolkata-based band Under Ground Authority which was also the finalist at India’s Got Talent Season-II and rock outfit, Still Waters from Sikkim who jammed with the Scorpion guitarist belting out numbers like ‘Rock You Like a Hurricane’ which set the mood for the gala event which had the SLA Speaker, KT Gyaltsen as the chief guest. Also performing was ‘Chotey Ustad’ finalist, Prakriti Giri from Darjeeling.

The Super Star XI team included Rudd Gullit as Captain, Regi Blinker from Holland, Christian Karembu from France, Marcel Oerlemans from Holland, Ali Dael from Iran, Ronald Kopp from Germany, Jimmy Silvester from Venezuela, Rudolf Schenker from Germany, Tim Tranker [World Motor Sports Champion], Shyam Thapa, IM Vijayan, and Rahul Bose.
Also present were Indian veterans, Kharey Basnett [currently National Coach of Bhutan] and Urgen Lama also famously known as ‘Mini’. Gullit, however, chose to remain off the field due to health issues.
The USFC team struck first with two goals in the 7th and 19th minute by striker Daniel, Thoi from USFC struck the net in the 12th minute, Beiko in the 35th minute, Thupden in the 41st minute, M.D Lepcha in the 57th minute and Bhupendra Khewa in the 70th minute.
The goals for the Super Star XI came from Marcel Oerlemans who scored three goals in the 30th, 64th and 68th minutes and Sushi Singh hit the net in the 32nd minute. The only yellow card of the game was shown to Sushi Singh in the second half of the game.
Sports Minister, NK Pradhan speaking to NOW! stated that this was for the first time since the earthquake that such a mega event was being hosted by the state. He added that whatever image the earthquake had created in the media of Sikkim as an unsafe place for tourists will all be cleared and there will be no misconceptions.
“This event will put Sikkim back on track as one of the most sought after tourist destinations and prove to the world that we have risen again and we are a hard working and proud people. Sikkim is safe and any traveler can come and enjoy their stay here in the pristine Himalayan state,” said Mr. Pradhan.
He also commented on the world class infrastructure here in Sikkim which had actually lured these footballing greats to Sikkim. This event would morally boost the people of Sikkim who have just gone through such a natural disaster and give them hope and courage by showing that we have bounced back, he expressed. He further expressed hope that with this media highlight and international publicity, many such state-of-the-art sports facilities will come up and we will gain recognition around the world, he added.
Similarly, the Sports Secretary, Karma P Bhutia stated, “This is a historical day for Sikkim and the event has been possible only because of the support of the State government and the personal intervention of the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling who is also an avid football lover.” He added that the event was to be held at Kathmandu, Nepal but since every celebrity wanted to come to Sikkim and experience its natural and pristine beauty, the event was brought here to Paljor Stadium.
“There were other states like West Bengal which could have hosted this event but once the organizers approached Bhaichung, we set the date and fixed Sikkim as the venue. I assure you that this is not the first and last, many such mega events are on the cards,” explained the Sports Secretary.