Students of Thumi Sambota cheer their team from the stands. Picture by Pema Leyda Shangderpa

Gangtok, Oct. 5: Sikkim Police defeated the Tibetan National Sporting Association, Dehra Dun by four goals to two in the inaugural match of the 28th All India Governor’s Gold Cup played at Palzor Stadium here today.

The police team took a lead in the 8th minute of the first half when Chungku Sherpa scored the first goal. Sherpa’s effort was followed by Lokesh Lamichaney who netted in the 22nd minute.

Tibetan National Sporting Association were thwarted throughout the first half, but did manage to score two goals in the second half. However, a goal each from Kamal Bagdass and Suman Dewan in the second half sealed the match in favour of the home team.

In the stands though, the score was a bit different. The team from Dehra Dun mustered huge support with members of the Tibetan community living in the state capital coming out in large numbers to support them. They were joined by students from Thumi Sambota, the central school for Tibetans in Gangtok.

Two matches will be held tomorrow. Punjab Police are set to play against Army XI in the first match, while Calcutta Customs will meet the home team Sikkim Sports Academy in the second.

Earlier this afternoon, the tournament was inaugurated by Sikkim Governor V. Rama Rao, who was the chief guest at the opening ceremony.

The Gold Cup is organised by Sikkim Football Association, Sikkim’s premier sporting body. Though this year, the organisers have failed to bring in any of the big teams from Calcutta, be it Mohan Bagan, East Bengal or Mohammedan Sporting, fans are still expected to pour into the stadium to watch the matches.