Gangtok: February 29, 2012

Sikkim is all geared-up to host Dr. Tao Memorial Football Tournament for the first time. Capital is ready to execute it at its heart in Paljor stadium where eight teams representing North-Eastern Region will face each-other to win the title.

“Dr. Tao Memorial Football Tournament is slated to be held from March 2-9 at Paljor Stadium Complex. The contest has been organized by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong”, informed Rapgyal.

“Officials from the concerned departments are engaged in preparation work day-and-night. They are leaving no stone unturned to make the tournament well-ordered and flourishing”, assured the Deputy Director for SYA cum Technical Incharge of Paljor Stadium, Thupden Rapgyal to Sikkim Mail.

Since 2003, the year tournament started, different NE States are hosting it rotationally. Guwahati was the first place to host this tournament, informed Rapgyal.

Adding further, he stated that a total of eight teams namely Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland including Sikkim have buckled-up to participate in the contest.

When asked about the main rationale of organizing the football event, he said that the reason behind it is to discover the hidden talents of NE region. “A generous cash prize of Rs. seven lakhs shall be handed over to the winner of tournament during, whereas first runner up will receive a cash prize of five lakhs. Besides, a compensation prize of Rs. 50,000 each will also be given to all the participant teams.

“It will be interesting to see players of other NE states playing against Sikkim’s team. Only Sikkimese players will be allowed to represent state’s team”, he informed. Dr. Tao, a former football international player was also a professional MBBS doctor from Nagaland. He was a magnificent player, as well as the captain of Mohan Bagan team. He also played in Olympics. He is considered to be one of the best players in North-Eastern Region. This tournament is devoted to him only.

“This competition is very essential and valued for the state. We hope to emerge as victorious. We are also expecting good number of spectators to come and enjoy the tournament in their leisure hours as well as the tourist”, he anticipated.