Governor's Gold cup kicks off in Sikkim

Tata Football Academy outplayed Sikkim Football Association XI 4-0 as the 34th edition of All India Governor's Gold Cup football tournament kicked off here at Paljor Stadium.

The tournament was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and is being organized by Sikkim Football Association (SFA).

Even as the home team was cheered on by the crowd, comprising largely of students, the team failed to score even once and its defence crumbled.

TFA took an early lead with a goal from N Sangij Kumar in the 9th minute and Manash Sarkar made it 2-0 soon. After a 44th minute goal by Udanta Singh, TFA finished the first half with a 3-0 lead.
 

In the 60th minute shortly after the drinks break, Manash Sarkar scored his second goal to extend TFA lead to 4-0. The home team tried their best to come back in the match but could not score.

With this win TFA has progressed to the second round of the tournament, while the home team has been knocked out of the tournament. In the second round, TFA will take on NISA Manipur on 11 November.

SFA-XI, captained by Sishir Karthak, is a team put together by the organisers from players drawn from various clubs here after Sikkim Police, the second local team to qualify for this year's Gold Cup, could not participate since it is away playing in the All India Police Meet.

A total of 16 teams are taking part in the tournament. The final match of the tournament is scheduled for 21 November.