Gangtok, Nov 12 (UNI) For the first time in the state, the Sikkim Football Association is hosting the Manchester United Premier Cup East and North East Zone Qualifying Round (Boys) Under-15 at Paljor Stadium here.
The mega event will commence from November 18 and conclude on November 21, Menla Ethenpa, General Secretary, Sikkim Football Association (SFA), informed.
The teams participating are Mohun Bagan AC, Md Sporting Club, Chirag United SC, Kalyani Municipality Academy, Eastern Sporting Union, Manipur, Silchar Football Academy, Assam, Sikkim Football Academy, Namchi and Snow Lion Football Academy, Sikkim.
Mr Ethenpa informed that two teams from this zone will qualify to play in the final round at Goa where they will meet the winners of other four zones.
The team winning the final round at Goa will be taken to Manchester, UK, next year to play with the winners of other countries.
The SFA general secretary said it was a great honour for the state to host the prestigious tournament for the first time.
He expressed gratitude to state Health Minister Hissey Lachungpa for taking initiative to bring this prestigious tournament to Gangtok. Mr Lachungpa is also the patron of the SFA.
''Since, there will be no entry fee for the tournament, we would like to call upon the football loving people of Sikkim to come forward and cheer your favourite team in the tournament,'' Mr Ethenpa added.
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