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.