Gangtok, February 19: The finals of the Under-17 Sikkim Football League 3.0 were held on February 19 at Paljor Stadium. Organised by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Sikkim Football Association, the tournament brought together young football talent from across the state, celebrating sportsmanship, discipline and unity.
The event was graced by Major General Mahipal Singh Rathore, GOC, 17 Mountain Division as Chief Guest.
Also present were Tenzing Lamtha, MLA of Syari Constituency, Brigadier Upinder Pal Singh, Deputy GOC, 17 Mountain Division, Yangchen D Tamang, Secretary Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Bishnu Sharma, Chairman of Sports Department, Rinzing Bhutia, APS to Sikkim CM, Bishnu Sharma and others.
The tournament commenced on 9 February 2026 and featured 14 teams eight boys teams and six girls teams competing in a league-cum-knockout format. A total of 18 league matches and four semi-finals were played, showcasing determination, teamwork and exceptional sporting spirit.
The finals witnessed thrilling encounters in both categories. In the Girls Final, Maneybong Dentam Sports Society faced State Sports Academy, where state sports academy, soreng emerged victorious. In the Boys Final, State Sports Academy took on Gangtok Himalayan Sporting Club, with state sports academy, Gangtok clinching the league title.
The champions were felicitated during the closing ceremony amid loud applause from spectators and supporters.
The event also featured a spectacular Kalaripayattu martial arts performance by the 18th Battalion of the Madras Regiment, symbolising strength, agility and discipline. Adding to the celebrations, the Army Public School Gangtok student band “ Symphony “ delivered a captivating musical performance, including the motivational song Ashish by singer Bipul Chettri.
During the felicitation ceremony, key contributors including match officials, performers and organisers were honoured for their support and dedication to the successful conduct of the tournament.
In the Boys Category, the Best Goalkeeper award was presented to Tenzing Sheepa, of state sports Academy Gangtok while the Best Player of the Tournament award went to Manish Limbu, state sports academy Gangtok
In the Girls Category, the Best Goalkeeper award was received by Miss Kanchan Chetrri of state sports Academy soreng and the Best Player of the Tournament title was awarded to miss chodenlaa Bhutia of maneybong Dentam sports society.
In his closing address, Major General Mahipal Singh Rathore, GOC, 17 Mountain Division encouraged the young players to pursue excellence both on and off the field, emphasising discipline, resilience and teamwork as the foundation of success.
The tournament once again highlighted the Indian Armys commitment to nurturing young talent and strengthening community engagement through sports. Organisers expressed confidence that the next edition of the Under-17 Sikkim Football League will continue to grow in scale and impact.
