Sikkim to host star studded charity soccer match

Gangtok, Jan 18 (ANI): Sikkim will be hosting a star studded charity soccer match, that will see the likes of Dutch superstar Rudd Gullit and Colombian maverick Carlos Valderrama's team lock horns with Indian soccer icon Baichung Bhutia's United Sikkim Football Club on Sunday.

The proceeds of the match would be given to families of earthquake victims.

The match is being organised to motivate tourists who have been reluctant to come to the state following the earthquake on September 18 last year.

Founding member of the German heavy metal band, Scorpions, Rudolf Schenker and world motorbike champion Tim Trenker would be joining the international footballers to form the Superstar XI who would be playing against Bhutia's United Sikkim Football Club.

Speaking to mediapersons in Gangtok, on Wednesday, Bhutia said that he planned to auction the autographed jerseys of all soccer stars, including his, for the cause.

"We are planning to have auctions done from jerseys signed, so from that jersey's auction. That's still under discussion with what charity function we can organise, but this definitely is a charity fund," said Bhutia.

For the state officials organising the match, the arrival of former football legends and other stars is once in a lifetime opportunity.

"For us it would be a lifetime experience to see such fantastic football players displaying their talents in a place like Sikkim," an official said.

Bhutia, who co-owns the club, would lead his team against the Superstar XI.

The former Indian soccer captain had recently played his farewell match against German giants Bayern Munich on January 10, which India lost 4-0. (ANI)