1st MLA Challenge Cup Football Tournament at Jorethang begins

JORETHANG, 06 Aug [IPR]: The opening ceremony of the first MLA Challenge Cup Football Tournament was held at Jorethang Playground today. The tournament organized by the Independence Day Celebrations Committee (IDCC) was attended by Minister of Roads & Bridges and Cultural Affairs & Heritage Department, GM Gurung as the chief guest alongside Area MLA cum Minister Health & IPR, AK Ghatani who was present as the guest of honor.
The program was also attended by SDM Jorethang, Tenzing Denzongpa; Joint Secretary of Sports & Youth Affairs (S) Mr. Kamal Chettri; officials of Jorethang sub-division, members of Zoom Salghari and Jorethang Nagar Panchayat besides the senior citizens, public and students of Jorethang and adjoining areas.
SDM Jorethang also the president of the 68th IDCC welcomed the gathering and the guests at the onset of the program. He expressed his gratitude towards the chief guest and guest of honour for attending the function and informed the gathering that the MLA Challenge Cup Football Tournament was being held for the very first time in Jorethang.
The chief guest, Mr Gurung spoke on the significance of Independence Day and stated that the 68th celebration of Independence Day this year would be organised on a grand scale. Talking about discrimination based on caste, creed, economic status and community that exist in the society today, he appealed to the public to go beyond such prejudices and live in unity to make the state and country a better place to live in.
Mr. Gurung also spoke about how the country attained freedom from the British rule and expressed faith in the potential and agility of young minds in working towards the growth and development of the state and country and thereby motivated the youth of today to steer clear of any anti-social activities.
Mr Ghatani also addressed the program where he commended the organizing committee for putting together such an excellent program despite the fact that it was being organized for the first time ever. He underlined the fact that the football tournament is aimed at nurturing the budding football talents from the constituency as well as from the neighbouring places of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and elsewhere too.
Later, Mr. Ghatani also made it known to the public that post the MLA Challenge Cup Football Tournament which will conclude on 15 August, Jorethang will also host the CM’s Gold Cup and assured that the committee will work towards making the tournament a successful one.
The opening match of the MLA Challenge Cup Football Tournament was played between Jorethang F.C against Darjeeling where the latter emerged as the winner in a tiebreaker. The match ended in a 1-1 draw at full time and Darjeeling won the match in a penalty shoot-out scoring 5-4.
It may be mentioned here that 10 teams namely Jorethang F.C, Darjeeling, Bijenbari F.C, Namchi F.C, R Lucknow, Sher Club Kalimpong, Teens Academy, Chakung F.C, Gangtok F.C and Kurseong will be seen contending for the MLA Challenge Cup. The day’s program was also marked by cultural program by students of schools and dance academies from Nayabazaar, Pipaley and Jorethang.