Mangan, August 13 (IPR):
The Independence Day Football celebration at Mangan was held on a grand scale today, with Minister for Social Welfare and Area MLA, Lachen-Mangan, Mr Samdup Lepcha attending the programme and witnessing the semi-final match.
The Minister was accorded a warm welcome with a band performance by the students of Government Senior Secondary School, Mangan. The programme was attended by Adhakshya Mr Kado Lepcha, DC Mangan Mr Anant Jain, SP Mangan Mr Rinzing Chopel Rai, SDM Mr Sandeep Kumar, Chairman Mr Nim Tshering Lepcha, MEO MNP Mr Karzong Bhutia, DFO (T) Mr Manzil Kharel, OSD Mr Tshering Wangyal, Councillors of MNP, Zilla and Panchayat Members of the constituency, officials and staff of various line departments, and members of the North District Football Association (NDFA).
As part of the programme, Mr Samdup Lepcha launched the merchandise, including shirts, hoodies and umbrellas, along with the raffle tickets for the Platinum Jubilee celebration of Government Senior Secondary School, Mangan, scheduled to be held next year.
The sporting events commenced with a Women's U-17 exhibition match between Soreng Sports Academy and United Mangan, with Soreng Sports Academy securing a 1–0 victory. Following the match, the team was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of its contribution to football and for qualifying for the Subroto Cup to be held in New Delhi. The team will represent Sikkim at the national-level tournament. The Chief Guest congratulated the players and wished them success in the upcoming competition.
The semi-final then saw Lachen Sporting Club take on the Forest Department. The Forest Department emerged victorious through a penalty shootout with a one-goal lead and will now face Young Orchids in the final.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, students from Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Government Senior Secondary School, Mangan, and Government Senior Secondary School, Tingchim, along with Mangan Dance Academy, presented cultural performances.
The celebration brought together football, cultural performances and community participation, adding to the spirit of the Independence Day festivities in Mangan.