Review meeting discusses preparations for CM’s Gold Cup

JORETHANG, 24 Sept: A review meeting regarding the 7th All India Chief Minister’s Gold Cup 2013 to be held in Jorethang was conducted at State Institute Rural Development (SIRD) Karfectar, South Sikkim today which was chaired by Minister Roads & Bridges, RB Subba. The tourney is been organized by South District Football Association (SDFA) in collaboration with South District Administration and other government and non-government organizations for the first time at Jorethang, South Sikkim. The tournament is set to begin from 19 October 2013.
During the meeting, Mr. Subba emphasized on active participation of all the members for the successful execution of the Gold Cup is essential for the success of the tournament. Due to the limited time available for preparation and due to the upcoming Dasain and Diwali holidays, he asked the committee to utilize time in an efficient manner.
Assuring complete support from his office for the tournament, he informed that the upgradation works going on at the Jorethang playground will be complete by 20 October. He appealed to each department, organization and Self Help Group to start work with utmost sincerity, smooth collaboration and positive motivation.
Sports & Youth Affairs Minister, NK Pradhan in his address assured hundred percent cooperation from his department for the successful execution of the tournament.
Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, KN Rai said that Jorethang shares its border with West Bengal and requested the SP (South) to maintain stringent law and order during the period to avoid unnecessary hassles which could disrupt the ambience of the tournament. He further asked the committee to provide opportunity to rural sportspersons during this type of tournaments to help them gain exposure. He further called for collective participation from all those responsible in the organizing of the tournament to make it a success.
MLA Zoom Salghari, Madan Cintury extended gratitude to the SDFA and district administration for organizing the tournament in Jorethang and suggested that the committee involve the youth of Jorethang in the tournament by handing them proper responsibilities. He also spoke on other related issues like selling entry tickets, food and refreshment arrangement, accommodation for players etc in the house for discussion. Chief Whip Ugyen Gyatso Bhutia also addressed the house.
Earlier JD Sports & Youth Affairs, Kamal Chettri placed the latest report of the organizing committee and informed the house that the last review meet to update the house regarding the progress of the preparation will be held on 19 October after the puja holidays. He said that 18 teams will be participating in the tournament wherein prestigious teams like AIR India, Bhaichung Bhutia’s United Sikkim, and many more from the North East and other countries will be seen in the Gold Cup. He also highlighted that this CM’s Gold Cup stands in the 7th position at the National Level and added that Jorethang playground also required quite an amount of renovation and repair work to prepare to host the football tourney.

DC South Prabhaker Verma welcomed the gathering and SDM Jorethang Tenzing Denzongpa ended the meeting with the vote of thanks. The review meet was attended by Minister Power Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, Minister RMDD  CB Karki, former Minister SB Subedi, MLAs, South and West Zilla Adhakshyas, Upadhakshyas, Chairpersons, Secretary Sports Department, HODs, members of Self Help Groups, Business Community, Driver Association of South & West and other eminent guests.