Initiated in 1979 with the aim of fostering a strong football culture in Sikkim, the All India Governor's Gold Cup Football Tournament, popularly known as the Sikkim Gold Cup, has grown into one of India's established and historic football tournaments. Organised annually by the Sikkim Football Association (SFA) in Gangtok, the tournament is traditionally hosted at Paljor Stadium and attracts participation from established Indian clubs, state and institutional teams, regional sides and international participants.

The tournament follows a straight knockout format, with participating teams competing through successive elimination rounds leading to the final. Over the years, the competition has provided a platform for local Sikkimese teams to test themselves against teams from across the country and beyond, contributing to the development and promotion of football in the state and the wider Northeast region.

42nd Edition- 2026

ABOUT ALL INDIA GOVERNOR'S GOLD CUP

Sikkim Aakraman SC was represented by captain Kintup Lachungpa and team member Boxer Pradhan, who reflected on the significance of the tournament for local football. Having become only the third home team to reach the final, Sikkim Aakraman SC had the opportunity to make history by becoming the second local side to lift the coveted trophy.

The press conference also highlighted the significance of the occasion, with the final scheduled for 16 October 2026 at 5:00 PM at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok. Former Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, was announced as the Chief Guest, with Hon'ble Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang as the Guest of Honour.

Watch the pre-final press conference featuring representatives of both teams as they share their preparations, expectations and thoughts ahead of the tournament's grand finale.

Shillong Lajong FC, winners of the 42nd All India Governor's Gold Cup Football Tournament 2026.

Tournament Report

Pre-Final Press Conference

The 42nd All India Governor’s Gold Cup Football Tournament 2026, organised by the Sikkim Football Association (SFA), concluded on 16 October at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, with Shillong Lajong FC emerging as champions after defeating home side Sikkim Aakraman SC 5–2 in the grand finale.

Held from 5 to 16 October 2026, the prestigious tournament brought together football clubs from across the country, delivering a series of competitive encounters and providing a platform for both established teams and local sides to showcase their talent. The 42nd edition also witnessed a significant campaign from Sikkim Aakraman SC, whose journey to the final marked an important achievement for local football.

Inauguration and Opening Day

The tournament was inaugurated on 5 October 2026 by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay, marking the commencement of the 42nd edition. The opening ceremony also commemorated the 86th birth anniversary of Late Shri Nar Bahadur Bhandari Ji, former Chief Minister of Sikkim, whose contributions to the development and progress of the state were remembered with respect and gratitude.

The opening day featured two matches. Hosts Sikkim Aakraman SC began their campaign with a 2–0 victory over Garhwal Heroes, with Boxer Pradhan (Jersey No. 7) opening the scoring in the 18th minute and Karma Thendup (Jersey No. 21) adding the second in the 86th minute. Boxer Pradhan was named Man of the Match.

In the second encounter, Black Eagles defeated GTA XI 3–1. Surag Chettri, Rahul Paswan and Pranil Gurung scored for Black Eagles, while Asish found the net for GTA XI. Pranil Gurung received the Man of the Match award.

Knockout Stage: A Competitive Tournament

The action continued on 6 October, with Singling SC registering a 4–2 victory over Oil India (Assam) in the third match. Uttam Rai (Jersey No. 10) scored twice, in the 3rd and 45+2nd minutes, while Senchung Bhutia (Jersey No. 7) also found the net. Singling SC completed the scoring with their fourth goal to secure the victory. Uttam Rai was adjudged Man of the Match.

In the day's second encounter, Gokulam FC (Kerala) defeated Thunderbolt North United 4–1. Changte opened the scoring in the 9th minute, while Chothe, Dennis Antwi and Victor added further goals. Karan Rai scored the solitary goal for Thunderbolt North United. Chothe was named Man of the Match.

On 7 October, Sikkim Aakraman SC faced Odisha XI in a closely contested fifth match. Neither side managed to score during regulation time, resulting in a penalty shootout. Sikkim Aakraman SC converted five penalties against Odisha XI's three to secure a 5–3 victory and progress in the competition.

Black Eagles continued their strong run on 8 October, recording a convincing 5–0 win over OFC Banaras, Bagpath. Madam Mandi opened the scoring in the 8th minute, followed by Rahul Paswan in the 25th minute. Pranil Gurung, Vickey Chettri and Surag Chettri added three more goals in the second half. Pranil Gurung was named Man of the Match.

The seventh match, played on 9 October, saw Gokulam FC secure a 2–1 victory over Sudeva FC. Victor scored both goals for Gokulam FC in the 63rd and 73rd minutes, while Suantak Soilunehang Vaiphei scored for Sudeva FC in the 66th minute. Victor received the Man of the Match award.

The eighth encounter on 10 October featured Northeast United and Singling SC. The match ended 2–2 in regulation time, with Uttam Rai and Ayush Bista scoring for Singling SC before Northeast United fought back through a second-half brace from Tanbir Dey. The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Singling SC held their nerve to secure victory and advance to the next stage. Ayush Bista was named Man of the Match.

The occasion was graced by Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri G.T. Dungel, as the Chief Guest; Hon’ble MLA of Gangtok, Shri Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, as the Guest of Honour; and Shri Tenzing Bhutia, Chairman of SIMFED, as the Special Guest.

On 11 October, Sikkim Aakraman SC registered an important 2–1 victory over East Bengal (R) FC. Jersey No. 16 gave Aakraman the lead in the 11th minute, before East Bengal equalised through Jersey No. 77 in the 66th minute. Tendon Lepcha then scored the decisive goal in the 90+1st minute, securing victory for the home side. Tendon Lepcha was adjudged Man of the Match.

The match was attended by Shri Sonam Tshering Venchungpa, Hon’ble MLA, as the Chief Guest, with Shri Bhandu Lachenpa, Shri Sonam Tshering Lachungpa and Shri Kheykho Lachenpa, Hon’ble Pipons of Lachen and Lachung, as Guests of Honour. Shri Tika Subba attended as the Special Guest.

In the tenth match, played on 12 October, Shillong Lajong FC defeated Black Eagles FT 3–1. Kenstar Kharshong (Jersey No. 26) converted a penalty in the 40th minute, before Rahul Paswan scored for Black Eagles in the 43rd minute. Everbnight (Jersey No. 12) then scored twice, in the 56th and 90+3rd minutes, to seal the victory for Shillong Lajong FC. Everbnight was named Man of the Match.

The occasion was graced by Shri M.B. Dahal, Hon’ble Minister for Roads and Bridges, as the Chief Guest; Shri Pintsho Namgyal Lepcha, Hon’ble Minister for Forest and Environment, as the Guest of Honour; and Shri Tenzing Dorjee, Chairman of SIMFED, as the Special Guest.

Semi-Finals: Sikkim Aakraman SC and Shillong Lajong FC Book Final Berths

The first semi-final, held on 13 October, saw Sikkim Aakraman SC overcome Gokulam Kerala FC in a dramatic 3–2 encounter to secure their place in the grand finale.

Aakraman made an early breakthrough through Dewasi Rai (Jersey No. 9) in the second minute. Gokulam responded through Crislan (Jersey No. 20), who equalised in the 27th minute before scoring again in the 54th minute to give his side a 2–1 advantage.

However, Sikkim Aakraman SC responded with determination, as Boxer (Jersey No. 7) brought the score level in the 59th minute. Nuhu Seid (Jersey No. 16) then converted a penalty in the 90+3rd minute, securing a dramatic 3–2 victory for the home side. Nuhu Seid was named Man of the Match.

The match was graced by Shri Arun Upreti, Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development Department, as the Chief Guest. Shri Kuber Bhandari, Chief Information Officer, and Shri Jacob Khaling, Political Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, attended as Guests of Honour. Shri Anand Lama, Advisor, SIMFED, and Shri Chewang Zangpo, President of the Sikkim Olympic Association, were present as Special Guests.

The second semi-final on 14 October featured Singling SC and Shillong Lajong FC. In a closely contested encounter, neither team managed to find the back of the net during regulation time, taking the match into a penalty shootout. Shillong Lajong FC eventually prevailed 6–4 on penalties, securing the second spot in the final.

Shillong Lajong goalkeeper Ranit (Jersey No. 1) was named Man of the Match for his crucial save during the shootout, which helped his side secure the victory.

The occasion was graced by Shri Sonam Lama, Hon’ble Minister for Public Health Engineering and Ecclesiastical Departments, as the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honour included Shri Chewang Lama, Chairman, Ecclesiastical Department; Shri Pawan Gurung, General Secretary, SKM Party Headquarters; Shri Palden Barfungpa, OSD, Ecclesiastical Department; and Ms Yangchen Tamang, Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim.

With both semi-finals concluded, Sikkim Aakraman SC and Shillong Lajong FC were confirmed as the finalists of the 42nd edition.

Grand Finale: Shillong Lajong FC Lift the Governor’s Gold Cup

The grand finale was held on 16 October 2026 at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, with Shillong Lajong FC taking on Sikkim Aakraman SC for the coveted championship title.

Shillong Lajong FC produced a commanding performance to secure a 5–2 victory and lift the 42nd Governor’s Gold Cup. Their captain, Kenstar Kharshong (Jersey No. 26), opened the scoring approximately ten minutes into the match, followed by a second goal from Jersey No. 12, giving Shillong a 2–0 advantage at half-time.

Shillong extended their lead after the break through Jersey No. 5. Sikkim Aakraman SC responded with a goal from Boxer (Jersey No. 7), but Shillong restored their advantage through Jersey No. 10. Aakraman reduced the deficit once again through Jersey No. 22, before Shillong's Jersey No. 10 scored in added time to complete the 5–2 victory.

The final was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri Om Prakash Mathur, as the Chief Guest; the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang, as the Guest of Honour; and the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque, as the Special Guest.

The occasion was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Sonam Lama, Minister for Public Health Engineering and Ecclesiastical Departments; Shri Bhojraj Rai, Minister for Urban Development; Shri Raju Basnett, Minister for Education, Sports and Youth Affairs, and Law and Parliamentary Affairs; Shri Sonam Tshering Venchungpa, MLA, Rumtek; Shri Pintsho Namgyal Lepcha, Minister for Forest and Environment; Shri Puran Kumar Gurung, Minister for Agriculture; Shri Bikash Basnett, Political Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister; Shri Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, MLA, 27-Gangtok (BL) Constituency; Shri Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia, Chairman, SIMFED; Shri Bhimhang Limboo, Minister for Buildings and Housing and Labour Departments; Shri Samdup Lepcha, Minister for Social Welfare; Shri Loknath Sharma, Minister for Horticulture; and Shri Madan Cintury, MLA, Salghari-Zoom Constituency.

Individual Honours and Tournament Recognition

At the conclusion of the tournament, individual honours were presented in recognition of outstanding performances throughout the competition.

- Champions: Shillong Lajong FC

- Runners-up: Sikkim Aakraman SC

- Man of the Tournament: Kenstar Kharshong (Shillong Lajong FC, Jersey No. 26)

- Golden Glove: Ranit (Shillong Lajong FC, Jersey No. 1)

Kenstar Kharshong's contribution throughout the tournament earned him the 'Man of the Tournament' award, while goalkeeper Ranit was recognised with the 'Golden Glove' for his performances between the posts.

Finalists Share Expectations Ahead of the Grand Finale | 15 October 2026

Ahead of the grand finale of the 42nd All India Governor's Gold Cup, a pre-match press conference was held on 15 October 2026, featuring representatives from the two finalists, Shillong Lajong FC and Sikkim Aakraman SC.

Representing Shillong Lajong FC, head coach Birendra Thapa and captain Kenstar Kharshong spoke about the team's preparations, their upcoming Indian Football League (IFL) season and their expectations ahead of the final.