Sikkim Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang on Monday inaugurated Premier League 2023 at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok.
The sporting event was organized by Football Development (P) Ltd under the aegis of Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Govt of Sikkim.
Co-founder, Football Development (P) Ltd, Nirmal Chettri, in his welcome address expressed joy on the opening day of Sikkim Premier League and said that the concept of the League is to give birth to professional football which will inspire new generation of footballers in the State.
The eight teams which will participate in the maiden Sikkim Premier League 2023 are Aakraman SC (Gangtok), Brothers United FC (Gyalshing), Red Panda FC (Namchi), Roaring Leopard FC (Pakyong), Sikkim Dragons (Gangtok), Singling Sporting Club (Soreng), Siniolchu FC (Namchi) and Thunderbolt North United (Mangan). The matches will be played in Paljor Stadium (Gangtok) and Bhaichung Stadium (Namchi) from 30th January 2023 to April 4, 2023. The tournament format will include round robin format and the teams finishing top four will advance to the semi-finals.
The Chief Minister declared the start of Sikkim Premier League 2023 and kicked the ball towards the crowd to officially start the tournament before the Kick-Off.
The first match was a Gangtok derby played between FC Aakraman Sikkim United and Sikkim Dragons FC which was won by Aakraman SC with 2-1 scoreline.
Photo Courtesy : IPR Sikkim
