I-Day Knock-Out Football tourney kicks off in Namchi

NAMCHI, 07 Aug: The 68th Independence Knock-Out Open Football Tournament was kicked off today here at Singithang playground. Advisor WS& PHE Department, former MLA Binod Rai, was present as the chief guest of the opening ceremony. 12 teams are participating in the tourney being organized by South District Football Association as part of the Independence Day celebrations at the South District headquarters.
Addressing, the opening ceremony, the chief guest said that with the joint effort of District Administrative Center, different schools, associations and general public the Independence Day will be celebrated in a grand manner in South District. Apart from different cultural programmes, the Independence Open Football Tournament is the main attraction of the celebration.
He further informed that the main objectives of the tournament is to encourage the youth to hone and showcase their skills. Mr. Rai said that the SDF government has always encouraged sport persons especially those from rural areas. The government has developed infrastructure and provided many schemes and scholarships for sport persons of the state, he added. He also urged all students to be committed towards their dreams and to become the best human resource of the country.
Two matches were played in the opening day of the tournament where the first matche was played between New Light Academy and Kamrang FC. The former defeated Kamrang FC in a tie breaker and won the match with the final score of 5-4. NLA will now play against Lucknow Army on 09 August.
The second match was dominated by the home town club Siniolchu FC which won the match against State Sports Academy by a huge margin of 5-0. Siniolchu FC will play against Share Football Club of Kalimpong on 09 August.  
The progamme was also addressed by general secretary SDFA Arjun Rai while other guests of the opening ceremony were GTA Deputy Chairman Lopzang Lama, VC NMC NH Ansari, JD SYA Kamal Chettri, ADC Namchi Kapil Meena, NMC Councilors and other officers from different departments.
Two matches will be played tomorrow first match will be play in between SAI Namchi Vs. Namchi Government College and second match will be play in between Sikkim Police Vs. Namthang Football Academy. The winner of the tourney will be awarded with one lakhs cash prize with trophy and runner-up team will be awarded with 50 thousand cash with trophy.