GANGTOK, 27 SEPT: EPCS XI Church, Gangtok, produced a commanding display of attacking football to lift the 12th Sikkim Inter-Church Gold Cup Tournament 2026, defeating AL Saints 5-1 in a one-sided final played under the floodlights at Paljor Stadium here on Saturday evening.
From the opening whistle, EPCS XI looked in control, dictating the pace and keeping the AL Saints defence under sustained pressure. Their relentless attacking play translated into five goals and a convincing victory, leaving little room for a comeback by the opposition.
AL Saints, despite being outplayed for much of the contest, continued to fight until the final stages and managed to score a consolation goal. The late strike, however, did little to alter the complexion of a match that had largely belonged to EPCS XI.
The victory earned EPCS XI the championship trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, while AL Saints had to settle for the runners-up trophy and Rs 3 lakh.
The 12th edition saw participation from 28 churches from across Sikkim, turning the tournament into a celebration of football, faith and fellowship. The competition also provided a platform for players representing different churches to come together beyond the football field.
Gangtok MLA Delay Burfungpa presented the winners' trophy to the EPCS XI team amid celebrations following the final.
The footballing spectacle was followed by a vibrant musical evening, adding a festive touch to the grand finale. Indian Idol Season 3 runner-up Amit Paul took the stage and enthralled the audience with his gospel performances, drawing an enthusiastic response from the Gangtok crowd.
With football under the floodlights and gospel music filling the stadium, the tournament ended on a celebratory note, bringing together sport, music and Christian fellowship in the heart of Gangtok.
अनलाइन् खबर पत्रिका तथ्य जाँच र आचारसंहिता प्रतिवेदन:
यो सामग्री हाम्रा सम्पादक टोलीद्वारा तथ्य प्रमाणीकरण र प्रेस काउन्सिल अफ इन्डिया आचारसंहिता बमोजिम प्रकाशित गरिएको हो।
