ARMY XI LIFTS THE DARJEELING GOLD CUP

The finals of the All India Brigade of Gorkha Gold Cup Football Tournament  between the Kolkata League first division side Southern Samity and Army XI  was played today 21^st November, at the St Joseph’s College (School Department) Ground. The match kicked off at 2 pm amidst a huge turnout of football fans. The tournament had started on the 12^th of this month with 12 teams in the fray.

It was Army XI’s day and the final score read 2-0 in favor of the soldiers. The Army men dominated the match with their quick passing football and took the lead through Gordon Zoramthanga in the 19^th minute. They had some more chances to score but could not capitalize. Southern Samity on the other had only one chance which their forward squandered.

The half-time score read 1-0 in favor of Army XI.It was the same story in the second half with Army XI creating most of the scoring chances. They scored very early into the second half, in the 59^th minute Gordon Zoramthanga,struck home yet again  after a one two with his fellow striker he tapped in an easy goal, which was enough for his team to lift the Darjeeling Gold Cup.

The second half  also took a physical turn with players from both the sides going in for some tough tackles, but the referee had total control on the match and he didn’t allow the situation to turn ugly.After the final whistle. The Chief Guest, G.D. Goutam,Additional Home Secretary Government of West Bengal along with other honored guests gave away the prizes to the two finalists.

On the larger context, the revival  of  this tournament after 25 years  has given a new hope to the football in the Hills of Darjeeling. Hope this will have a positive impact and give the players in that region a platform to showcase their talents at the National level. Although this is not confirmed at the moment. The Finalist, South Samity of Kolkata is said to have been impressed by two boys playing for Darjeeling XI.In my view this tournament has a dual role. Firstly to provide entertainment to the football loving public of Darjeeling and secondly to give its players a platform.

Hope this tournament will continue without disruption from now on and put Darjeeling on the footballing map of the country once again. A special thanks to all the people involved with the revival of this prestigious tournament.

Photo Courtesy- Bidhan Goshai (Darjeeling)

Information Courtesy- Swarnim Rai (Darjeeling)