Ace footballer Bhaichung Bhutia has come forward to inspire women football in Sikkim. Baichung has sponsored the kit for Sikkim women’s team which is scheduled to play Senior Women’s National Football Championship at Cuttack, Odisha.
Bhaichung on Saturday offered two sets of jerseys and track suits for the State team members and officials.
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Sharing his feelings with the media, the former captain of the Indian men’s team said, “It is a big honour and proud moment for me to support women’s team of the State. I am also happy to see the growth of women’s football in the State.”
He also expressed his gratitude to Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) which is encouraging young footballers of the State and also for supporting the women’s team.
Bhutia while conveying his best wishes to the team expressed hope that it will exhibit encouraging performance at the upcoming tournament.
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Sikkim Football Association (SFA) vice-president Chewang Paul Sangderpa thanked Bhaichung and BBFS for supporting the State women’s team.
“This encouraging initiative will motivate the team to give their best in the championship,” he said.
SFA coordinator Phurba Sherpa stated that such support has always motivated the SFA to work with new zeal.
Team coach Pushpa Gurung thanked Bhaichung and BBFS for sponsoring kits for the team members and also thanked SFA for its support in training and preparing the women’s team for the national championship. She also hoped that the team in particular and women’s football in general will continue to enjoy support, patronage and encouragement in the future.
Team manager Palden Bhutia also said such support and guidance will encourage women footballers to perform to their full potential during competitive tournaments.
He is also hopeful that the presence of former international players like Nima Lhamu Bhutia, Lako Phuti Bhutia and Anju Tamang and professional footballers like Srijana Rai and Gyurmie Dolma Tamang in the State team will boost other young footballers to take up the sport.
A 20-member team is representing the State in the ensuing national championship.
The Sikkim team will be playing against Tamil Nadu on January 28, Uttarakhand on January 30 and against Goa on February 5 in the league phase.
The team is currently undergoing training at the camp at Soreng.