The 30th Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup has kicked off and the tournament holds special importance for the man whose name is synonymous with Indian football in the modern era – Bhaichung Bhutia.
The Indian skipper first came to notice with his impressive performance in this very tournament more than 16 years ago.
“This is the tournament which brought me into limelight and helped me enter East Bengal in those days,” said Bhaichung nostalgically.
Would he still want to play in the Governor’s Gold Cup, a question which his mentor and uncle Karma Bhutia requested Goal.com to ask.
“I am employed by Mohun Bagan and I can’t decide which tournament I want to play. If Mohun Bagan would have played the tournament, then I would have featured.”
The Governor’s Gold Cup is a very important tournament in Sikkim and the government backs the event by allowing the officials working in their office to leave for the games an hour before the scheduled kick-off if they produce the tickets.
But Bhaichung feels that tournament isn’t just about Sikkim.
“It is still the biggest football tournament in the north-eastern region. It was big in the national scene as well before the National League commenced.”
Bhaichung, who hails from Tinkitam village in Sikkim, feels that the tournament is a big festival in the north-eastern calendar.
“The Governor’s Gold Cup is being played for so many years and the buzz is still on. It’s a great festival.”
Bhaichung may not be in action in the tournament but he is being represented through his team United Sikkim Sports Club, who won the opening day clash against Shimla Youngs.
“I spoke to the team after they won. Shimla Youngs isn’t an easy side to win against. My message to them is to continue doing well and keep improving. The first target is to enter the quarter-finals.”
Source:Goal.com
The Indian skipper first came to notice with his impressive performance in this very tournament more than 16 years ago.
“This is the tournament which brought me into limelight and helped me enter East Bengal in those days,” said Bhaichung nostalgically.
Would he still want to play in the Governor’s Gold Cup, a question which his mentor and uncle Karma Bhutia requested Goal.com to ask.
“I am employed by Mohun Bagan and I can’t decide which tournament I want to play. If Mohun Bagan would have played the tournament, then I would have featured.”
The Governor’s Gold Cup is a very important tournament in Sikkim and the government backs the event by allowing the officials working in their office to leave for the games an hour before the scheduled kick-off if they produce the tickets.
But Bhaichung feels that tournament isn’t just about Sikkim.
“It is still the biggest football tournament in the north-eastern region. It was big in the national scene as well before the National League commenced.”
Bhaichung, who hails from Tinkitam village in Sikkim, feels that the tournament is a big festival in the north-eastern calendar.
“The Governor’s Gold Cup is being played for so many years and the buzz is still on. It’s a great festival.”
Bhaichung may not be in action in the tournament but he is being represented through his team United Sikkim Sports Club, who won the opening day clash against Shimla Youngs.
“I spoke to the team after they won. Shimla Youngs isn’t an easy side to win against. My message to them is to continue doing well and keep improving. The first target is to enter the quarter-finals.”
Source:Goal.com
