Marking a historic milestone, Sikkim is set to host its first-ever international football match on Wednesday — a senior women’s friendly clash between India and Nepal at the iconic Paljor Stadium in Gangtok. The event comes as Sikkim celebrates 50 years of statehood, symbolizing a proud moment for the state’s sporting fraternity. “For the first time in the history of Sikkimese football, an international friendly match between India’s and Nepal’s senior women’s teams will be held at Paljor Stadium,” said Menla Ethenpa, president of the Sikkim Football Association (SFA).
Paljor Stadium, named after Crown Prince Kunzang Choley Namgyal, son of the erstwhile king Chogyal Tashi Namgyal, holds deep historical significance. The match will kick off under floodlights at 4:30 pm, with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) as the chief guest. The contest has generated immense excitement as the Indian women’s team recently qualified for the 2026 Asia Cup after 22 years. The team’s head coach is Crispin Chettri from Kurseong, while Anju Tamang from Kalimpong and Sikkim’s Abistha Basnett are among the key names linked to the fixture.
Purostam Kattel, Secretary General of the South Asia Football Federation, will attend as guest of honour. Nepal’s star striker Sabita Bhandari, who plays for Wellington Phoenix in Australia’s A-League, is also expected to feature.