Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Gangtok: The General Sagat Singh High-Altitude Football Tournament kicked off on July 29 at Thegu in East Sikkim. Players faced thin air at 13,000 feet. The Black Cat Division of the Indian Army joined forces with the Youth Org Committee to run the event.
Brigadier K. Kiran, commander of the 63 Mountain Brigade, opened the games. He told the crowd: "Sports in fostering discipline, teamwork, physical fitness and unity." He wants players to prioritize fair play during the matches. It is a tough environment. The extreme altitude will push every athlete to their limit.
Thirty-four teams arrived from areas like Gnathang, Changu, Kupup, Zuluk, Namchi, Singtam, and Ranipool. The competition runs for several weeks. The grand finale falls on August 15, matching the date of India's 79th Independence Day.
Winners get cash and gear. The army wants to build stronger ties with the local people. They hope the event inspires the youth to stay fit and active.
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