4 Sikkim lads called for U-22 AFC c’ship trials

GANGTOK, 20 Jan: Four Sikkimese players - Sonam Zangpo Bhutia, Mobin Rai, Nima Tamang and Afsal Ansari – have been short-listed to attend the selection trials organised by AIFF to select probables for the India U-22 team for AFC U-22 Championship Qualifiers.

The trials will be held at Bangalore from 26 January to 05 February, an SFA press communiqué informs. 

All these footballers are presently playing for United Sikkim FC.

The SFA general secretary Menla Ethenpa conveys that “it is a proud moment for Sikkim that even in U-22 category, our boys have a chance to represent the country”. Sikkim FA has congratulated the boys and wished them a successful trial.

USFC has meanwhile congratulated its players on the opportunity.

USFC CEO, Bhaichung Bhutia, has expressed that he was “very proud and happy” for these young players.

He shares that although these players still have a long way to go, the short-listing itself was a substantial achievement for them, USFC and for Sikkim as well.

Bhaichung mentioned that during his time as an active footballer, it was very difficult for even very good footballers to get selected for national camps, and adds that these boys were fortunate to get a direct call from the national team just by playing in a local club.

He expressed that he was confident that the hard work and dedication of these boys will help them secure a berth in the national team.

All the four players in turn expressed their happiness on being short listed for the trials and further conveyed their gratitude to Bhaichung and the USFC for always supporting them.