ASDEA clinches victory at 79th Independence Day Open Futsal Tournament in Gangtok
The tournament was held under the guidance of Chief Patron Shri Prabhakar Golay, President Dr. Thakela Bhutia, and General Secretary Shri Nishant Das Rai. Technical Directors Shri Bishal Chettri and Shri Bikash Jairu ensured that matches were conducted to competitive standards.
LOCAL
The Futsal Association of Sikkim (FAS) successfully hosted the 79th Independence Day Open Futsal Tournament at the Indoor Sports Arena, Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Deorali. Conducted under the theme “Zero Waste Produce,” the week-long event saw top futsal teams from across the state compete in high-intensity matches, drawing enthusiastic full-house crowds.
The tournament was held under the guidance of Chief Patron Shri Prabhakar Golay, President Dr. Thakela Bhutia, and General Secretary Shri Nishant Das Rai. Technical Directors Shri Bishal Chettri and Shri Bikash Jairu ensured that matches were conducted to competitive standards. The final match attracted prominent guests, including Chief Guest Shri Rinzing Wangyal Choppel, Chairman of the Sports Development Board; Shri Tshring Wangchuk Lepcha, APS to the Hon’ble Chief Minister; Guest of Honour Shri Bikash Jairu, international player for India; and Special Guest Dr. Manoj Kharka, senior neurophysiotherapist at STNM Hospital, who was felicitated for his service to neuro patients. Guests at earlier stages included Shri G.T. Dhungel, Minister of Health and Family Welfare; Shri Anand Lama, Advisor, SIMFED; and Prince Jigmee Wangchuk.
In an exciting final, ASDEA (All Sikkim Diploma Engineers Association) defeated Grace FC (Grace Foundation) 6–4. ASDEA took home ₹2,00,000, while Grace FC received ₹1,00,000. Individual awards went to Surag Chettri (Man of the Match, ASDEA), Sahil Chettri (Player of the Tournament, ASDEA), Changchup Woeser (Golden Boot, ASDEA, 11 goals), and Rojen Rai (Golden Gloves, Grace FC). The semi-finals were equally gripping, with ASDEA narrowly defeating LB Boys 6–5, and Grace FC overcoming Risers FC 5–4.
Medical support during the tournament was provided by Central Referral Hospital, 5th Mile Tadong. A vibrant cultural performance was presented by Ms. Yangchen Tamang and her group from Sikkim Professional University College of Physiotherapy, adding a festive touch to the event.