Governor's Gold Cup returns, Northeast United among teams to compete

After a five-year gap, the prestigious All India Governor’s Gold Cup football tournament is set to return to Indian football calender.

The latest edition of the tournament will take place in Gangtok from November 8 to 21, announced the Sikkim Football Association (SFA) on Monday.

The event, which holds significant standing in the eastern footballing circuit, will be hosted at the iconic Paljor Stadium and is expected to feature 16 teams, including four clubs from Malaysia, UAE, Nepal, and Bhutan.

This year’s event marks the 40th edition of the tournament, which was last held in 2019 just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kolkata’s Mohammedan Sporting claimed the title in 2019, while Mohun Bagan holds the record for most tournament wins with ten titles. They last won the title in 2017.

In addition to the international clubs, prominent domestic teams will also compete, including Indian Super League (ISL) side Northeast United, along with Punjab Police, Sudeva FC Delhi, Gokulam Kerala FC, Army Red, Ventor FC Mizoram, Chennai FC, Kalighat MS, and Diamond Harbour FC from Kolkata.

SFA President Menla Ethenpa shared that the SFA has adhered to all governmental requirements for inviting foreign teams to participate.

Ethenpa noted that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Ministry of Sports have formally approved the tournament. Due to Gangtok’s location near India’s border, the organizers also sought permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs to bring in international teams.

“We are only awaiting the final visa formalities, which we expect to be resolved shortly,” he added.

The Governor’s Gold Cup promises to bring a renewed sense of excitement and competition back to Gangtok, drawing both local and international attention. Fans in Sikkim and across the region eagerly await this return of one of India’s most cherished football tournaments.