United Sikkim FC
- Paljor Stadium
- Bhaichung Stadium (selected matches)
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Home colours | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Away colours | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Third colours |
United Sikkim Football Club is an Indian professional football club based in Gangtok, Sikkim.[1] Incorporated in 2011,[2][3] the club usually competed in Sikkim Premier Division League.[4][5] United Sikkim is the only club from Sikkim to have played in the I-League,[6][7][8] which was then top tier of the Indian football league system.[9][10][11]
Nicknamed the "Snow Lions",[12] United Sikkim uses Paljor Stadium as home ground.[13] It is owned by former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia,[14] and was founded in order to give people of the Indian state of Sikkim a professional football team.[15] In September 2019, Bhaichung Bhutia announced shutting the club down due to some unavoidable circumstances.[16] During an emotional farewell event, Bhaichung Bhutia thanked all the players and support staff besides the fans who supported the club over the years.[17]
The club was revived again in January 2021, with aim to play in the Indian Super League.[18] Manager Arjun Rai said on Monday that besides inaugurating the senior and youth team, emphasis would be laid on bringing footballers from the villages.[19]
History
Foundation
The professional club was founded in 2011,[20] by Sikkim Football Association (SFA) and Baichung Bhutia,[21][22][23] already competing in the Sikkim Gold Cup and other all-India tournaments for the early years of their existence.[2] On 22 March 2011, the club was launched as a professional, which would be co-owned by Dubai-based Fidelis World,[24] former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia and Indian singer Shankar Mahadevan.[15][25] The club revealed that they would compete in the 2011 I-League 2nd Division,[26] in the quest for promotion to the I-League within the next three years.[15][27]
2011–2012: 2nd Division seasons
The club started their quest for the I-League on 27 February 2011,[28] when they signed Liberian international Johnny Menyongar from NSC Minnesota Stars of the North American Soccer League in the United States.[29] The club played their first match of the 2011 I-League 2nd Division against Langsning F.C. on 31 March 2012, in which they drew 2–2.[30] United Sikkim won their first match of the season five days later, on 5 April 2011 against North Imphal Sporting Association at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Assam, by a score of 2–0.[31] The club finished in first place in group A of the first round of the I-League 2nd Division and thus qualified for the 2011 I-League 2nd Division final round, in which they only needed to finish in the top two for promotion.[32] The club began Final round with three consecutive draws against Sporting Clube de Goa, Royal Wahingdoh and Shillong Lajong, before winning two matches in a row against Mohammedan and Southern Samity. Next, a draw to Ar-Hima and a loss to Vasco officially knocked United Sikkim out of contention for promotion and forced them to settle on fifth place for the season.[33]
The season including the 2012 I-League 2nd Division did not start well for United Sikkim. On 11 June 2011, it was announced that Johnny Menyongar would leave the club to join I-League team Shillong Lajong, as well as Indian internationals Renedy Singh and NS Manju few months later.[34][35] However, after firing coach Stanley Rozario, United Sikkim signed Belgian Philippe De Ridder as coach of the team.[36][37] The club re-signed Nigerian players Daniel Bedemi and Quinton Jacobs for the season. They then began charge for the I-League for the second season in a row with a 3–2 victory over Bhawanipore F.C. at the Satindra Mohan Dev Stadium in Assam on 2 February 2012.[38] The club went on to win three more matches during the first round of the I-League 2nd Division against Eagles, Southern Samity and Ar-Hima in order to qualify for the final round.[39] They won promotion on the last day of the season on 17 April 2012 at the Paljor Stadium in front of 30,000 fans, as United Sikkim drew Mohammedan 1–1, with Daniel Bedemi scoring.[40]
On 13 November 2012, Bhutia was named the interim manager to replace Belgian Philippe De Ridder,[41] after the club's heavy 1–10 defeat in an I-League match against Prayag United on 10 November 2012 at the Salt Lake Stadium.[42]
2012–2013: I-League
Later it was initially reported that United Sikkim had started talks with Australian manager Nathan Hall about a possible head coaching role at the club.[43] On 10 December 2012, it was officially confirmed by United Sikkim that Hall had joined the club as its new head coach, replacing interim player-coach Bhaichung Bhutia.[44] His first game as head coach of the club in the league came on 15 December against Mumbai at the Balewadi Sports Complex in which United Sikkim lost 0–1.[45] Hall then managed to earn his first point as head coach in his next match against ONGC on 29 December in which his side drew 1–1 at the Ambedkar Stadium with Nadong Bhutia scoring the first goal for United Sikkim under Hall.[46]
United Sikkim did not win a single game under Hall until 27 March 2013 in which his side managed a 5–0 victory over forced-relegated side Air India at the Paljor Stadium.[47] This would turn out to be United Sikkim's last win and points for the rest of the season as the side lost its last four matches after this one and were thus relegated to the I-League 2nd Division.
2013: Travel to Bhutan
In March 2013, United Sikkim went to Bhutan for training. In their first foreign tour, they played three friendly matches against local sides Drukpol, Yeedzin and Zimdra at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimpu.[48]
From July to August, they went to Bhutan again and participated in 2013 King's Cup,[49][50] in which they moved to the knock-out stages. In the first semi-final, United Sikkim lost 2–4 to Manang Marshyangdi of Nepal.[51]
2014: I-League 2nd Division
They also participated in the 2014 I-League 2nd Division and moved to the final round of I-League Qualifiers,[52] finishing on fourth position[53][54] with seven points in eight matches.[55][56]
2014–2018
On 18 December 2014, it was revealed by owner Bhaichung Bhutia that United Sikkim had decided to leave the competition as future of the I-League was dim due to the formation of ISL, and thus team would only participate in the local league.[57][58] In 2016, they took part in Bordoloi Trophy in Assam.[59]
In February 2018, United Sikkim went to Nepal and participated in the 16th edition of Aaha! Rara Gold Cup, in which they failed to reach the knock-out stages.[60][61]
2020–present
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) was all set to invite bids for vacant spot in the I-League and Gangtok-based United Sikkim Football Club were one of the front-runners to submit it for 2020–21 season. However, the bid was won by Sudeva Moonlight (currently Sudeva Delhi) from Delhi.[62][63]
United Sikkim was the club that brought the I-League to the state where league matches were played at Paljor Stadium, and now we want to bring Indian Super League (ISL) to Sikkim. We will continue to give a platform to footballers from Sikkim and the region and in the process, contribute to the development of Indian football. The players will be scouted from different parts of the region
— Bhaichung Bhutia, owner of the club, announcing the revival of United Sikkim in January 2021, and their long-term plan in coming years.[64]
In 2021, Bhaichung Bhutia, the owner of the club announced that it will revive its junior and senior teams while aiming to bring the Indian Super League (ISL) into the state, alongside focusing on its grassroots.[64] They later took part in Birat Gold Cup in Nepal, in 2021.[65][66] The club later featured in SFA Premier Division League.[67][68][69]
Club crest and kits
Crest
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/fa/USFC.jpg/140px-USFC.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a9/United_Sikkim_FC%282nd_Logo%29.jpg/140px-United_Sikkim_FC%282nd_Logo%29.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3c/United_Sikkim_FC_2012_Logo.jpeg/140px-United_Sikkim_FC_2012_Logo.jpeg)
On 22 March 2011, the first crest of United Sikkim were unveiled at Taj Hotel in Kolkata.[70] The club crest had a picture of a 'snow lion',[71] which is also their mascot (and nickname too), and the color of the kit was red with white shorts.[70][72] The club's away colors are dark and light blue.[73] On 29 August 2012, after gaining promotion to the I-League, the club unveiled their new crest which is dominantly red, unlike orange crests from before. Instead of having "est. 2008" for the founding year, new crest has "est. 2011", which stands for the year when professionalized itself.[74][24]
Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors
Period | Kit manufacturer | Shirt sponsor | Tracksuit uniform |
---|---|---|---|
2011 | Nike[58] | EMTA[75] | |
2012 | URO[76] | ||
2013–2018 | Kokkivo Clothing[77] | ||
2018–2019 | Lotto[78] | Officer's Choice[79] | |
2021–2022 | Cosco | ||
2022– | Silco | Made in Sikkim, G.O.A.T. |
Stadiums
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Paljor_Stadium%2C_Gangtok.jpg/220px-Paljor_Stadium%2C_Gangtok.jpg)
In I-League, the club played their home matches at the 30,000 seater Paljor Stadium in Gangtok.[80][81][82][83][84][85] When the club was participating in amateur tournaments from 2008 to 2011, and the I-League 2nd Division from 2011 to 2012,[86][87] in which they would play in neutral venues, the club used Paljor Stadium as a training ground, holding majority of their practices there.[88]
However, despite the I-League 2nd Division being a neutral competition, the Paljor Stadium was given the rights to host the 2012 I-League 2nd Division final round 2nd leg, in which United Sikkim was also participating.[89] The ground was also the venue for the match in which United Sikkim gained promotion to the I-League after drawing with Mohammedan (1–1).[90]
In November 2021, United Sikkim entered into a joint venture with the Government of Sikkim, renovated Bhaichung Bhutia Stadium in Namchi to use as home ground.[91][92][93]
Rivalry
United Sikkim had a rivalry with their fellow North East Indian club Shillong Lajong in the I-League, which was often regarded as the "Northeast India Derby".[94]
Northeast India Derby
Opponent | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses |
---|---|---|---|---|
United Sikkim | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Shillong Lajong | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Total | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Sikkim Derby
United Sikkim has also a rivalry with their fellow Sikkim-based club Gangtok Himalayan SC,[95][96] whom they face in regional tournaments including Sikkim Premier Division League.[97][98] Both the clubs use Paljor Stadium as their home grounds. They had last met each other on 9 November 2019 during a match of Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup and Gangtok Himalayan defeated United by 3–1 margin.[99]
Managerial history
This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (November 2023) |
Stanley Rozario (March – December 2011)[100]
Philippe De Ridder (3 December 2011 – 13 November 2012)[101][102][103]
Bhaichung Bhutia (13 November – 13 December 2012)[42]
Nathan Hall (13 December 2012 – October 2013)[43][104]
Soibam Ekendra Singh (2013–2014)[105]
Kamal Bagdas (2023–present)[106][107]
Notable players
- Past internationals
The following United Sikkim players have been capped at senior/youth international level, with their respective countries. Years in brackets indicate their spells at the club.[108]
Joseph Lapira (2010–2011)[109]
Johnny Menyongar (2011)[110][111]
Quinton Jacobs (2011–2012)[112][113]
John Matkin (2012–2013)[114][115]
- World Cup player
Michael Rodríguez (2012–2013)[116][117][118]
- Noted Indian internationals
Renedy Singh (2011–2012)[119]
N. S. Manju (2011–2012)[120]
Sandesh Jhingan (2011–2013)[121]
Bhaichung Bhutia (2012–2013)[122]
Anwar Ali (2012–2013)[123]
- Other players
Daniel Bedemi (2011–2012)[124]
Pablo Rodríguez (2012–2013)[125]
Salau Nuruddin (2012–2013)[126]
Tae Yoon (2012–2013)[127]
Dosseh Attivi (2012–2013)[128][129]
Steve Hayes (2013)[130]
Honours
Domestic league
- I-League 2
- Runners-up (1): 2012[131][132]
- Sikkim Premier Division League
- Champions (3): 2013, 2017, 2018[133]
- Runners-up (1): 2014[134]
Cup
- Darjeeling Gold Cup
- Runners-up (1): 2011[135]
Other achievements
- Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Memorial Gold Cup
- Semi-finals: 2013[136]
- Bordoloi Trophy
- Semi-finals (1): 2016[137][138]
Academy and youth
United Sikkim, under stewardship of Bhaichung Bhutia, took up initiatives of youth development in football.[139] In 2013, Snow Lion Cup for under-14 kids was incorporated, and coaching camps with grassroot framework in hilly areas of Sikkim, Kalimpong and Darjeeling were set up by the club, with partnership of State Bank of India and Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools.[139] The club also operates various youth age-group teams.[140]
- USFC academy honours
- U-17 Winter Cup
- Champions (1): 2023[141]
- U-14 Winter Cup
- Runners-up (1): 2023[142]
See also
References
- ^ "2nd Div I-League: Babatunde guides Royals to second win". The Shillong Times. 6 April 2014. Archived from the original on 12 July 2020. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
- ^ a b Bhutani, Rahul. "Chirag United and United Sikkim: The Two Extremes of Indian Football". The Hard Tackle. Archived from the original on 14 July 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ "Sikkim Football Association released the fixture for 2018 Sikkim Premier Division League at football house in Gangtok". Goalie365. 16 July 2018. Archived from the original on 22 July 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
- ^ "Sikkim Premier League kicks off today". sikkimexpress.com. Sikkim Express. 24 August 2019. Archived from the original on 30 August 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
- ^ Gurung, Yuvraj (17 September 2019). "Sikkim Premier Division League 2019: Update". theawayend.co. The Away End. Archived from the original on 12 May 2021. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ Mohan, Srinivasan (7 February 2013). "China calling for United Sikkim's Sandesh Jhingan – report". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 18 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
- ^ "United Sikkim vs. Dempo 1 – 2". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2014. "Pune vs. United Sikkim 2 – 2". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
- ^ "I-League In and Outs" Up to January 2013 WINDOW". KolkataFootball. Archived from the original on 8 January 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
- ^ "United Sikkim vs. Air India 5 - 0". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 27 March 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
- ^ "United Sikkim 3–2 Salgaocar". Soccerway.com. Archived from the original on 21 November 2018. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
- ^ "Pune FC logged their first win of the season with a 1–0 win over United Sikkim FC in a Group-D Federation Cup encounter". Pune Football Club. 20 September 2012. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2012.
- ^ Nakashe, Mrunal (28 January 2013). "Pailan Arrows 1–1 United Sikkim: Tirthankar Sarkar strikes late on to break Sikkim hearts". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
- ^ Gurung, Yuvraj (17 September 2019). "Sikkim Premier Division League 2019: Update". theawayend.co. The Away End. Archived from the original on 2 October 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
- ^ "Baichung to play farewell match against Bayern Munich". The Times of India. The Times Group. 6 December 2011. Archived from the original on 10 December 2011. Retrieved 10 December 2011.
- ^ a b c Sengupta, Rahul (22 March 2011). "India: Dazzling Launch For United Sikkim As Bhaichung Bhutia Shows Indian Football Does Have Investors". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 6 April 2011. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ "Indian football: Bhaichung Bhutia decides to shut down United Sikkim FC". Goal.com. 24 September 2019. Archived from the original on 26 September 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
- ^ Ongmu, Dichen (24 September 2019). "Emotional farewell to players as United Sikkim FC shuts down". EastMojo.com. Archived from the original on 26 September 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
- ^ "United Sikkim revived, Bhaichung Bhutia says aim is to bring ISL into state". The Times of India. Press Trust of India. 4 January 2021. Archived from the original on 4 January 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
- ^ "Indian football: Bhaichung Bhutia-owned United Sikkim FC revived with aim to take part in ISL". Scroll.in. Archived from the original on 4 January 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
- ^ Schöggl, Hans. "India — List of Foundation Dates". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 23 October 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
- ^ "Renedy and Manju to play for Baichung's team". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2013.
- ^ Mangar, Nirmal. "United Sikkim enters I-League – Draw for Bhaichung boys". Samachar. Archived from the original on 16 July 2014. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
- ^ Srivastava, Ayush. "Club management to blame for United Sikkim's relegation". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 3 March 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
- ^ a b Bhattacharya, Nikhilesh (5 December 2012). "Not just about the money — Bhaichung Bhutia's United Sikkim FC faces challenges that test him as an administrator". LiveMint.com. Gangtok. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ "Renedy and Manju to play for Baichung's team". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2013.
- ^ "Northeast starts positively in I-League Div II". www.isikkim.com. i-Sikkim. 1 April 2011. Archived from the original on 4 April 2011. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
- ^ Sunam, Ashim. "United Sikkim qualification highlight of my career: Bhaichung Bhutia". Meri News. Archived from the original on 22 May 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ Nisanth V Easwar (10 September 2020). "I-League: How newly-promoted teams have performed". goal.com. Goal. Archived from the original on 26 September 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
- ^ "Bengaluru FC midfielder Johnny Menyongar calls time on playing career". Sportskeeda.com. 27 July 2015. Archived from the original on 17 August 2021. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
- ^ "I-League 2nd Division – Langsning vs United Sikkim – Soccer – Scoresway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". www.scoresway.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "I-League 2nd Division – United Sikkim vs NISA – Soccer – Scoresway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". www.scoresway.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "The Aiff". Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
- ^ "All India Football Federation, Football Development Programmes". the-aiff.com. Archived from the original on 5 February 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
- ^ "Menyongar signs with Shillong Lajong". India Blooms. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ "Shillong Lajong sign Renedy Singh". Times of India. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
- ^ Choudhuri, Arunava. "Indian Football: Transfer Season 2011/12 – Version 13". Arunava Choudhuri. Archived from the original on 2 July 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ "Philippe de Ridder — innovative coach". thehindu.com. Cuttack: The Hindu. 21 May 2012. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
- ^ "I-League 2nd Div.: United Sikkim beats Bhawanipur 3–2". iSikkim. Archived from the original on 8 April 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ "AIFF 2nd Divn. I-League — 2012". kolkatafootball.com. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
- ^ "USFC Top Group". The All India Football Federation. Archived from the original on 31 May 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ Chaudhuri, Arunava (3 December 2012). "Indian Football: Transfer Season 2012/13 Updated". sportskeeda.com. Sportskeeda. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
- ^ a b "Bhutia interim coach of United Sikkim". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 13 November 2012. Archived from the original on 16 November 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
- ^ a b Higgs, Paddy. "Australian coach Nathan Hall nears Indian I-League appointment". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 1 January 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ^ "New Coaching Regime". United Sikkim FC - Facebook. Archived from the original on 8 October 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ^ "Mumbai vs. United Sikkim 1 – 0". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 23 April 2016. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^ "ONGC vs. United Sikkim 1 – 1". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 29 September 2015. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^ "United Sikkim vs. Air India 5 – 0". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
- ^ Chaudhuri, Arunava (2 March 2013). "United Sikkim FC on training visit to Bhutan". sportskeeda.com. Sportskeeda. Archived from the original on 1 September 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
- ^ Khandu Tobgyel (19 July 2013). "Bhutan King's Cup 2013 kicks off tomorrow". Bhutan Observer. Archived from the original on 10 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ Chaudhuri, Arunava (28 June 2013). "Bhutan King's Cup 2013: Mohun Bagan Academy & United Sikkim FC to participate". sportskeeda.com. Sportskeeda. Archived from the original on 1 September 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
- ^ "Manang defeats United Sikkim to enter finals". bbs.bt. Thimpu: Bhutan Broadcasting Service. 8 August 2013. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
- ^ "2nd Division League Starts in Feb '14". Archived from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 16 January 2014.
- ^ "2nd Division League Starts in Feb '14". Archived from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
- ^ "2nd Div League: Teams Qualified". Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
- ^ "Royal Wahingdoh Are Second Division Champions". I-League. 11 April 2014. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
- ^ "2014 I-League 2nd Division final round". globalsportsarchive.com. Global Sports Archive. Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
- ^ "India need better system, not big names as coaches: Baichung Bhutia". Zee News. Archived from the original on 18 December 2014. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
- ^ a b "Bhaichung Bhutia shuts down former I-League club United Sikkim FC". hindustantimes.com. The Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 29 July 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ "East Bengal triumph". telegraphindia.com. Guwahati: The Telegraph India. 24 September 2016. Archived from the original on 8 January 2017. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
- ^ "16th Aaha! RARA Gold Cup". GoalNepal.com. Kathmandu. Archived from the original on 3 October 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ "Team Details — United Sikkim Football Club (India) — Recent Results & Players". nepal90.com. Kolkata: Nepal90 Football. Archived from the original on 1 April 2023. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
- ^ "Sudeva and Sreenidhi granted playing rights in Hero I-League from 2020–21 and 2021–22 respectively". the-aiff.com. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "Sudeva FC becomes first club from Delhi to play in I-League". The Times of India. 12 August 2020. Archived from the original on 24 August 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ a b "United Sikkim revived, Bhutia says aim is to bring ISL into state". sportstar.thehindu.com. Gangtok: Sportstar. Press Trust of India. 4 January 2021. Archived from the original on 6 January 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2021.
- ^ "Birat Gold Cup Football Tournament (2021)". Nepal90.com. Kathmandu: Nepal90. Archived from the original on 29 April 2021. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
- ^ Kafle, Santosh (12 April 2021). "Punjab beat Machhindra, enter semis". thehimalayantimes.com. Biratnagar: The Himalayan Times. Archived from the original on 12 April 2021. Retrieved 7 February 2023.
- ^ Pradhan, Sujal (16 June 2023). "Sikkim Premier Division League 2023 to kick off on June 21st". indiatodayne.in. Gangtok: India Today North East. Archived from the original on 16 June 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
- ^ Pradhan, Sujal (21 June 2023). "Sikkim Premier Division League begins today at Paljor Stadium". indiatodayne.in. Gangtok: India Today North East. Archived from the original on 8 July 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
- ^ Gurung, Bijoy (17 June 2023). "SIKKIM PREMIER DIVISION LEAGUE TO KICK-OFF FROM JUNE 21 AT PALJOR STADIUM". sikkimexpress.com. Sikkim Express. Archived from the original on 19 June 2023. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Jersey of USFC officially launched in Kolkata". iSikkim. Archived from the original on 24 April 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ Manjunath, Akash (19 January 2013). "BFC release Menyongar; Contract extension for Rooney". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 23 January 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
- ^ "East Bengal 6–0 United Sikkim FC: The Red and Gold trample the Snow Lions". Goal.com. 14 August 2012. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
- ^ Mangar, Nirmal. "Cheers at home fail to yield goals". Telegraph India. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
- ^ Bhattacharya, Nilesh (23 March 2011). "Bhaichung Bhutia launches United Sikkim in new avatar". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. The Times of India. Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
- ^ "Two-week camp not enough: Baichung Bhutia". newkerala.com. Kolkata: New Kerala Sports Bureau. IBNS. 16 July 2012. Archived from the original on 20 September 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
- ^ "United Sikkim FC, Kokkivo Clothing apparel tie-up". isikkim.com. I-Sikkim. 21 October 2013. Archived from the original on 9 February 2014.
- ^ "Bhaichung Bhutia shuts down former I-League club United Sikkim". indianexpress.com. Gangtok: The Indian Express. Press Trust of India. 22 September 2019. Archived from the original on 27 September 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
- ^ Shukla, Abhishek. "CFL: IFA ropes in new title sponsor". indiafooty.com. Kolkata. Archived from the original on 8 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
- ^ "Sikkim Aakraman F.C. Sikkim Premier Division League Champions". sikkimexpress.com. The Sikkim Express. 26 September 2017. Archived from the original on 27 September 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
- ^ "Paljor Stadium, Sikkim to host I-League matches". Seven Sister Post. Archived from the original on 15 September 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Paljor Stadium Gangtok News". localgymsandfitness.com. Archived from the original on 16 December 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ "Sikkim Football Association released the fixture for 2018 Sikkim Premier Division League at football house in Gangtok". Goalie365.com. Archived from the original on 22 July 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
- ^ "Premier Division S-League 2019: Kumar Sporting FC 2–2 Unicorn FC and Sikkim Aakraman FC 5–0 United Sikkim FC". goalie365.com. 31 August 2019. Archived from the original on 8 July 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
- ^ "Stadiums in India". World Stadiums. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
- ^ "Sikkimese teams to face opponents at 2nd Division I-League prelims". iSikkim.com. 18 March 2011. Archived from the original on 22 March 2011. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
- ^ Srivastava, Ayush (6 October 2012). "United Sikkim 3–2 Salgaocar FC — The Snow Lions stun Karim Bencherifa's side". goal.com. Gangtok: GOAL. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
- ^ "USFC concludes training for Kalinga Cup & 2nd Div I-League". iSikkim. Archived from the original on 20 January 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ "How Bhaichung's United Sikkim FC qualified for the I league?". iSikkim. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ "United Sikkim qualify for next edition's I-League Football". iSikkim. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- ^ "Stadium in Sikkim named after Bhaichung Bhutia to be inaugurated after COVID-19 pandemic subsides". The Hindu. New Delhi. PTI. 24 August 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
- ^ Sportstar, Team. "Bhaichung Bhutia to have stadium named after him". sportstar.thehindu.com. Sportstar. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
- ^ Desk, Digital (1 November 2021). "Sikkim: CM Tamang inaugurates Bhaichung Bhutia stadium » News Live TV » North East". News Live TV. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ Bhutani, Rahul (10 May 2015). "Aizawl FC Champions". www.thehardtackle.com. The Hard Tackle. Archived from the original on 23 September 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
- ^ "Sikkim Himalayan SC starts pre-season training to focus on young players". sikkimexpress.com. The Sikkim Express. Archived from the original on 29 July 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ "Durand Cup: Shivajians FC face 'Himalayan' task". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 December 2021. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
- ^ Parasar, Swapnaneel (24 July 2018). "All you need to know about football league structure in Sikkim". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 17 August 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
- ^ "United Sikkim FC pull off spectacular win in crucial Sikkim Premier League match". nenow.in. North East Now. 19 August 2018. Archived from the original on 15 April 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
- ^ "Gangtok Himalayan SC vs United Sikkim (Sikkim Gold Cup 2019)". Soccerway.com. Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
- ^ Bhattacharya, Nilesh (1 February 2011). "Former East Bengal and Mohun Bagan coach Stanley Rozario will take charge of United Sikkim FC this week. The football club is owned by India captain Baichung Bhutia. — Times of India". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
- ^
- "Belgium's Rider joins United Sikkim Football Club as a coach". I Sikkim. I Sikkim. 3 December 2011. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 24 December 2011.
- Mergulhao, Marcus (29 September 2008). "The League of foreign coaches". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Margao: The Times of India. TNN. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
- ^ Chaudhuri, Arunava (3 March 2012). "Interview with Philippe de Ridder — United Sikkim FC coach". www.sportskeeda.com. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
- ^ "de Ridder — innovative coach". 21 May 2012. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021 – via www.thehindu.com.
- ^ "United Sikkim Coach Nathan Hall Joins Abahani Limited, Bangladesh Outfit". footballnewsindia.in. 4 October 2013. Archived from the original on 23 June 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ "Manager Information – Statistics: Soibam Ekendra Singh". footballdatabase.eu. Football Database Europe. Archived from the original on 23 June 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
- ^ "Sikkim Premier Division League 2023–24". the-aiff.com. All India Football Federation. 22 June 2023. Archived from the original on 24 June 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
- ^ "Match Summary — Sikkim Premier Division League: Boys Club Gangtok 2 – United Sikkim FC 4" (PDF). administrator.the-aiff.com. All India Football Federation. 22 June 2023. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 June 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
- ^ "United Sikkim Football Club » Players from A–Z". WorldFootball.net. Archived from the original on 14 April 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
- ^ Strack-Zimmermann, Benjamin. "NFT player — National team & Club appearances: Lapira, Joseph". national-football-teams.com. National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2018.
- ^ Strack-Zimmermann, Benjamin. "NFT player — National team & Club appearances: Menyongar, Johnny". national-football-teams.com. National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
- ^ "Dempo rope in Liberian midfielder Menyongar". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. The Times of India. Archived from the original on 12 May 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
- ^ "I-League II Div: United Sikkim defeats Kalighat 3-2 after trailing | iSikkim". isikkim.com. Archived from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2012.
- ^ Strack-Zimmermann, Benjamin. "NFT player — National team & Club appearances: Quinton, Jacobs". national-football-teams.com. National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 10 October 2016. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
- ^ Strack-Zimmermann, Benjamin. "NFT player — National team & Club appearances: Matkin, John". national-football-teams.com. National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 31 October 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
- ^ "United Sikkim Football Club vs Mumbai FC LIVE Commentary". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 13 January 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2013.
- ^ "Michael Rodríguez debutó con victoria en el futbol de la India". everardoherrera.com (in Spanish). Everardo Herrera. Archived from the original on 22 October 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
- ^ "Pérez Zeledón refuerza su defensa con Michael Rodríguez y colombiano Andrés Santamaría". aldia.cr (in Spanish). Al Día. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
- ^ "Pune FC 1–0 United Sikkim". Pune Football Club. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
- ^ Strack-Zimmermann, Benjamin. "NFT player — National team & Club appearances: Singh, Renedy". national-football-teams.com. National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
- ^ "I-League: Pune FC Add United Sikkim FC's NS Manju On Their Roster Until The End Of 2011–12 Season". Goal.com. 7 January 2012. Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2013.
- ^ Thakur, Ashish (22 October 2014). "Sandesh Jhingan – Young Star Of Kerala Blasters". Red Bull. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
- ^ Strack-Zimmermann, Benjamin. "NFT player — National team & Club appearances: Bhaichung Bhutia". National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 11 August 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
- ^ Strack-Zimmermann, Benjamin. "NFT player — National team & Club appearances: Anwar Ali". national-football-teams.com. National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ^ "Federation Cup: United Sikkim FC Down ONGC 3–2 In Their Opening Group B Fixture". Goal.com. 9 September 2011. Archived from the original on 1 May 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
- ^ "Shillong Lajong FC 2–1 United Sikkim FC: Matsugane's injury-time winner gives the Reds the spoils against the Snow Lions". Goal. 2 February 2013. Archived from the original on 6 February 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
- ^ Vaz, John (24 September 2012). "Prayag United FC 2–0 United Sikkim FC: Rafique at the double as Kolkatans end campaign on a high". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
- ^ Biswas, Babua. "United Sikkim's Yoon Tae Leaves For Bigger Challenges". Feverpitch. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
- ^ "Dosseh Attivi". FootballDatabase. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
- ^ "I-LEAGUE IN AND OUTS: UPTO JANUARY 2013 WINDOW". KolkataFootball. Archived from the original on 8 January 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
- ^ "INDIAN ADVENTURE THRILLS STEVE HAYES". footballnsw.com.au. Football New South Wales. 10 July 2013. Archived from the original on 19 December 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
- ^ "The Aiff". Archived from the original on 3 February 2012. Retrieved 21 February 2012.
- ^ "The Aiff". Archived from the original on 11 April 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
- ^ "United Sikkim FC thrashed State Sports Academy to win Sikkim Premier League title". Goalie365.com. Archived from the original on 24 August 2018. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
- ^ "Sikkim Himalayan SC has technically won the Sikkim Premier League title with one more game to go". goalie365.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
- ^ "14th All India Darjeeling Gold Cup: Previous Winners". kolkatafootball.com. Kolkata Football. Archived from the original on 13 July 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ "Manang defeats United Sikkim to enter finals". www.bbs.bt. Bhutan Broadcasting Service. 8 August 2013. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
- ^ Chaudhuri, Arunava. "List of Winners/Runners-Up of the Bordoloi Trophy". indianfootball.de. Archived from the original on 6 October 2021. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
- ^ "GSA, GFC bracing up for Bordoloi Trophy". The Assam Tribune. Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
- ^ a b "United Sikkim FC To Host U-14 Snow Lion Cup". footballnewsindia.in. Football News India. I-Sikkim. 13 December 2013. Archived from the original on 23 June 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ Ghoshal, Amoy (15 November 2012). "Not expecting a farewell match from AIFF – Renedy Singh". sportskeeda.com. Sportskeeda. Archived from the original on 8 September 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
- ^ "United Sikkim A Team Won The First U17 Winter Cup 2023". Facebook.com (@UnitedSikkimFC). 23 January 2023. Archived from the original on 24 June 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ "Sonada Winter U-14 Cup Final". Facebook.com (@UnitedSikkimFC). 19 February 2023. Archived from the original on 24 June 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
Further reading
Bibliography
- Kapadia, Novy (2017). Barefoot to Boots: The Many Lives of Indian Football. Penguin Random House. ISBN 978-0-143-42641-7.
- Shreekumar, S. S. (15 August 2020). The Best Way Forward for India's Football. HSRA Publications. p. 244. ISBN 9788194721697. Archived from the original on 4 February 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
- Sharma, Nikhil Paramjit; Gupta, Shantanu (4 February 2019). India's Football Dream. SAGE Publications India. ISBN 9789353283063. Archived from the original on 4 October 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
Other sources
- Bhutani, Rahul (14 May 2018). "Chirag United and United Sikkim: The Two Extremes of Indian Football". thehardtackle.com. The Hard Tackle. Archived from the original on 14 July 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
- Noronha, Anselm. "Sporting Clube de Goa 2–1 United Sikkim FC: Sugishita leaves a mark on his maiden I-League appearance". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
- Chaudhuri, Arunava (14 December 2012). "Indian Football: Transfer Season 2012/13 — Version 8". Sportskeeda. Archived from the original on 18 July 2020. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
- Mukherjee, Debayan (20 January 2014). "Bhawanipore ride Bidemi goal to victory". the-aiff.com. Manjeri: All India Football Federation. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
- Chattopadhyay, Hariprasad (17 January 2015). "Time to regain lost glory". telegraphindia.com. Kolkata: The Telegraph India. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
- Tamang, Silash (7 December 2011). "Sikkim footballer Nirmal Chettri makes international debut". iSikkim.com. New Delhi: The Sikkim Mail. Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 8 August 2012.
- Noronha, Anselm. "Dempo SC 7–0 United Sikkim FC: The Eagles fly past the injured Snow Lions". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 23 January 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
- "United Sikkim, Samity and Mohd. Sporting through to the final round". the-aiff.com. New Delhi: All India Football Federation. 14 April 2011. Archived from the original on 11 March 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2011.
- Pradhan, Sujal (16 June 2023). "Sikkim Premier Division League 2023 to kick off on June 21st". indiatodayne.in. Gangtok: India Today North East. Archived from the original on 16 June 2023.
- Biswas, Babua (17 January 2013). "United Sikkim's Yoon Tae Leaves For Bigger Challenges". Feverpitch. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
- Bhattacharjee, Nilotpal (27 October 2015). "Japanese recruit for Aizawl FC". The Telegraph India. Archived from the original on 8 May 2016. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
- Williams, Joe (25 September 2017). "The Goa and Maha Derby: A thing past in I-League". khelnow.com. Khel Now News. Archived from the original on 20 July 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
- "Royal flush for Wahingdoh". theshillongtimes.com. Shillong: The Shillong Times. 12 April 2014. Archived from the original on 17 December 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
- Punnakkattu Daniel, Chris (10 April 2014). "Royal Wahingdoh and Bhawanipore clash in 2nd Division title decider". cpdfootball.de. Shillong. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
- "ভাইচুংয়ের রাস্তায় হাঁটতে চান ব্যারেটো" [Barreto wants to walk on Bhaichung's way]. anandabazar.com (in Bengali). Kolkata: Anandabazar Patrika. 12 May 2012. Archived from the original on 5 January 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
External links
- United Sikkim FC on Facebook
- United Sikkim FC on Instagram
- United Sikkim FC at Soccerway
- United Sikkim FC at Khel Now
- United Sikkim FC at Global Sports Archive
- United Sikkim FC Archived 3 December 2012 at the Wayback Machine at Weltfussballarchiv
- United Sikkim FC at Nepal90