Following up on the initiative, the Sikkim Football Association (SFA) meanwhile is already in the process of getting started in Sikkim with installing the Football House beside the recently renovated Paljore Stadium in Gangtok. The project also includes a quality stadium at Sikchey, located near the capital town.
However, the SFA administration seems to be a little upset with the delay in Fifa’s grant for the Goal Project of Rs 1 crore, the All India Football Federtation’s (AIFF) grant of Rs 25 lakh, and the Sikkim state governement’s promise of giving another Rs 20 lakh as grant.
Speaking to The Indian Express, SFA secretary Tempo Bhutia said: “The Football House is under construction right now. It will be a four-storeyed building, comprising a full-fledged office, library and accomodation for touring teams. We are trying to complete the Football House by November this year so that it can be inaugurated at the time of the Sikkim Governors Gold Cup.”
The SFA secretary continued: “But the renovation programme of the ground at Sikchey should take time, as it will need a sum of over Rs 50 lakh. The renovation drive needs the grant as we will have to relay the grass, undertake the cambering process, and construct a proper drainage system. The contractors can get started with the final phase of the construction only after we receive more funds.”
The AFC representatives, having visited Sikkim a few times since 2006, had chosen the state for the project alongside Karnataka. While work is very much underway in Sikkim, it was learnt that Karnataka is yet to get started with the Goal Project.
However, the SFA is planning to stage the Gold Cup with a bag this time round, inviting clubs from Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.
The SFA secretary is upset with South African premier team Santos FC, the runners-up in the last edition of the IFA Shield. Bhutia said: “Santos FC received money from us to play an exhibtion match here at Paljore Stadium on the occassion of our felicitation programme to Padmasree Awardee Bhaichung Bhutia. But after getting the money, the team sent us a regret letter, along with the money of course, at the last moment, informing that they won’t be able come over. We have made complaint against the South African team.”