Sikkim exited with East Bengal’s return to the Governor’s Gold Cup after 28 years!
After a span of 28 years, East Bengal is all set to return to the Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup, starting from 16th November at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok. The red-and-gold brigade’s last participation in the tournament was in 1997, when they finished as runners-up, making their imminent comeback even more significant. President of the Sikkim Football Association (SFA) Menla Athempa, commenting on East Bengal’s return, said, “Whole Sikkim is excited with the news that East Bengal will participate in the tournament. They last played here in 1997, losing to ANFA Nepal in the final and finishing as runners-up. We have been promised that the club will send their first eleven.” Menla however, revealed that an invitation was also sent to Mohun Bagan, which are nine-time Governor’s Gold Cup champion. “We expected Mohun Bagan would accept our invitation. But they did not respond to our invitation.” However, Sikkim Football Association is also planning to invite Sunil Chhetri who hinted at saying goodbye to even club football on Friday and India’s woman international Ashalata Devi, who are expected to be felicitated by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) soon. “We have planned to invite both Sunil and Ashalata to the final of the tournament scheduled to be held on 29th November. If they come, then we will give them a befitting felicitation.” Along with East Bengal, I-League champions Inter Kashi, defending champion in the Governor’s Gold Cup, NorthEast United FC, teams like Diamond Harbor FC, Sudeva FC, Nepal’s premier team Church Boys and Tibetan NFA will also take part in the tournament.
Harmanpreet reveals ‘Sachin sir’s’ call and priceless advice
India’s World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur revealed the priceless advice from legendary Sachin Tendulkar just on the day before the final against South Africa at DY patil Stadium,Navi Mumbai. “The night before the match, Sachin (Tendulkar) sir called. He shared his experience and asked us to keep our balance. When the game is going fast, just slow it down a little,” Harmanpreet said while speaking on The ICC Review. “Try to control it because when you go too fast, chances are you can stumble. That is what we need to avoid. I was just thinking of all the advice I was getting from the seniors. To keep control, stay patient, the moment will come and you will be able to grasp it,” Harmanpreet said. The Indian women’s team have won their maiden ICC World Cup tournament on Sunday when they beat South Africa in the final by 52 runs in the final. Harmanpreet also recalled how different it feels to be called a world champion. “Whenever we see each other, we are just saying, ‘world champion’. It is a very different feeling. We were waiting when we would feel this way,” Harmanpreet said. “My mother and father were there. For me, it was a very special moment to lift the World Cup trophy with them. Since my childhood, they have heard me say that I want to wear India’s jersey, play for the country, lead the team, and win the World Cup,” Harmanpreet added.
