The fourth edition of the Independence Day football tournament organized by Pakyong Football Association kicked off on Thursday at the St Xavier’s School playground at Pakyong in East Sikkim.
The inaugural match was played between Creamroll FC and Chujachen Football Academy.
Creamroll FC won the match by a margin of 8-3 goals.
The score was level at 3-3 before Creamroll FC came heavily in the second half to register a thumping 8-3 win.
In the second match, St. Xavier’s ‘B’ defeated Brotherhood FC 1-0.
The tournament was inaugurated by Sikkim minister D T Lepcha who is also the local legislator.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Lepcha said that Pakyong has turned into a football hub and since the establishment of the playground in 2014, footballers who have played here have gone on to become part of top national leagues.
The champion of the tournament will be awarded Rs 1.1 lakh and the runner up will be awarded Rs. 80,000.
This year, there are as many 18 senior teams taking part in the football tournament.
There are no teams from outside the State.
This move, according to the organizers was taken to give chance to the local players.
The final will be held on August 15, the Independence Day.
An under-14 junior boys’ and open girls’ tournament are also being organized as part of Independence Day celebrations.
PFA will also be organizing sub-divisional league soon after these tournaments. The league will also include outside teams.