Gangtok, Oct. 29 (ANI): It was a contest between the United Sikkim Football Club and East Bengal Football Club at the Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim, on October 11.
Kolkata based East Bengal defeated the Bhaichung Bhutia owned United Sikkim Football by one nil in a tough contest.
Huge crowds thronged the 20,000 capacity Paljor Stadium to witness the contest.
Philip Bhutia, a football enthusiast, said he was very excited to watch all the big clubs come and perform in Gangtok.
"It is a great opportunity for the youngsters of Sikkim to meet all the big names of Indian football," he said.
"People have huge expectations from the Sikkim football team, as the sport is played in every nook and corner of the state. Moreover, it is the hometown of Bhaichung Bhutia. So, we were expecting our team to win the next match," added Puja.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) scheduled three I League matches in Sikkim, which the general public saw with great enthusiasm.
Streets in Gangtok were filled with posters supporting Bhaichung Bhutia's United Sikkim Football Club.
"It is very important that I - league spreads to different parts of the country. Football is a big game in Northeast especially in Sikkim," said Bhaichung Bhutia.
"I really appreciate the thought of Bhaichung Bhutia behind promoting United Sikkim Football Club. It is a great thing that he is doing," said East Bengal star Sanju Pradhan.
Football is one of the biggest craze among the youth in the Northeast. Several national level players and club players hail from this region.
They want to play professional soccer and represent India at higher levels.
Today, there are two professional clubs in the Northeast-Shillong Lajong and United Sikkim.
They are participating in every national level tournament and giving Northeast region the much deserved fame and presence in the football circles. (ANI)
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