Sikkimese players denied entry to Paljor Stadium

Well-known national football players from Sikkim Sanju Pradhan and Ong Tshering Lepcha were yesterday denied access into Paljor Stadium here by ticket collector because Lepcha did not have his Players’ Identity Card on him.

But rules are rules: Lepcha did not have his ID and the ticket checker refused to let him in. The two players attempted to talk their way with the man on the gate but the latter failed to recognize them.

“We do not have any issues against Sikkim Football Association (SFA) but we are hurt by the treatment we got from our own local brothers,” said Sanju and Ong Tshering.

Sanju Pradhan, who had escorted Ong Tshering to Paljor Stadium, is considered one of the best exports of Sikkim football in recent times. He was with East Bengal for the past five years and currently plays midfielder in IMG Reliance. Sanju hails from Sombaria, West Sikkim.

Dzongu boy Ong Tshering has played for Churchill Brothers and Air India FC and also represented the India Under-20 team as the captain. Both Sanju and Ong Tshering, it may be added here are presently playing for United Sikkim Football Club (USFC), one of the vibrant teams at the ongoing Governor’s Cup, which kicked off here on November 7.

On November 10, USFC in its first Gold Cup match won convincingly against Kanchenjunga Football Club. “I have been playing and representing my State in the national team since the age of 17 and am upset to see such ill-treatment meted out towards us from the locals itself,” added Ong Tshering.

Responding to the issue, SFA general secretary Menla Ethenpa maintained that the SFA has nothing to do with it as the ticket collector was just performing his duty.

“SFA had issued players’ card to all the clubs and it is mandatory for the players to show the card while entering the stadium. It is the responsibility of respective team manager to ensure that their players and club members carry the card,” Ethenpa stated.

Stating that the ticket collection and checking has been outsourced to Tibetan Youth Club, the SFA general secretary said that TYC was performing the duty.

(Courtesy: Sikkim Express)