Dark Horse wins Tiger-5 Open Football tourney

GANGTOK, 09 Oct: Dark Horse has become the champion of the Tiger Five Open Football Tournament 2013 played here at Paljor Stadium. In the nail-biting final match played this afternoon, Dark Horse outplayed United Sikkim Football Club 3-2.
The team had players from the national team like Nirmal Chettri and Sanju Pradhan, along with Ong Tshering Lepcha and Bijendra Rai. All the four players, who have been recently signed by IMG-Reliance, and were here on a 3-day break, teamed up with their friends and juniors to form Dark Horse.
Sanju Pradhan was adjudged as the Man of the Match while Anjal Pradhan was awarded as the Most Promising Player of the Tournament.
Sports Minister NK Pradhan, Sikkim Football Association women’s wing chairman, R Ongmu and former international woman footballer, Pushpa Gurung gave away the trophies and cash prizes to its winners.
Twenty teams had participated in this two-day tournament, which was organized by Sikkim Himalayan Sporting Club [SHSC].
Speaking to media persons, Nirmal Chettri expressed his happiness at playing in the tournament along with his friends and juniors. Here on a short three-day break, he further expressed happiness on playing at Paljor Stadium after almost 7 years with his old batch mates.
Likewise, Sanju expressed his happiness on the increasing craze about football and on more tournaments and matches being organized in the state. “This trend will help the state produce more quality players. Our team did not play to win but just to participate and encourage upcoming players”, he said.
SHSC president, Tenzing Lamtha thanked participating teams and spectators along with different organizations and individuals for supporting the tournament.
“The main objective to organize the tournament was to provide a platform for local players to encourage them to take up football as a career. The club will continue to promote and develop football in every corner of the state”, he said.
The young football club was formed last year and was officially registered recently. The club is currently on a membership drive after completing its registration process. SHSC is also gearing up to organize the 2nd edition of Late Kunzang Namgyal Lamtha Memorial Cup Football Tournament from 25 December.