India–Nepal Women’s Football Friendly to Mark 50 Years of Sikkim’s Statehood
For the first time, an international women's football friendly between India and Nepal will be held at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, on October 29, 2025, to commemorate 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood. The match, supported by Sikkim's Chief Minister and AIFF, features India's recently qualified AFC Asia Cup team, with local talent participating. Entry is partly free for students and organized to celebrate women's empowerment through football.
On October 29, 2025, Paljor Stadium in Gangtok will host its first-ever international women's football friendly match between India’s and Nepal’s Senior National Teams, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s statehood. This historic event is organized by the football community of Sikkim, with significant backing from Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey. The South Asian Football Federation’s Secretary General, Pursotam Kattel, will be the Guest of Honour. The Indian team, which recently qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 after 22 years, will be led by Coach Crispin Chettri and include notable players like Anju Tamang and Sikkim’s own Abistha Basnett. The game aims to promote women’s empowerment through football and attract supporters from Sikkim and neighboring areas. Entry tickets cost between ₹100 and ₹200, with free access for students and academy players. The Chief Minister will host a gala dinner to honor visiting teams. The match builds on ongoing regional football enthusiasm and celebrates Sikkim's milestone as part of India. Nepal has been a strong rival recently, having defeated India in a tri-nation tournament shortly before this event, underscoring the competitive significance of this friendly match.
