Gangtok, Jul 29 (PTI) The Indian Army on Wednesday inaugurated the General Sagat Singh High-Altitude Football Tournament 2026 at Thegu in East Sikkim, bringing together 34 teams from across the region for a sporting event held at an altitude of 13,000 feet.
A statement from the Army said that the tournament was formally inaugurated by Brigadier K Kiran, Commander of the 63 Mountain Brigade, who underscored the role of sports in building discipline, teamwork and resilience while strengthening the bond between the Army and local communities.
He urged players to compete with determination and uphold the spirit of fair play.
Teams from Gnathang, Changu, Kupup, Zuluk, Namchi, Singtam, Ranipool and other parts of East Sikkim are participating in the tournament, where players will face the added challenge of performing in demanding high-altitude conditions.
According to the statement, the tournament is aimed at promoting youth engagement, encouraging a healthy sporting culture and deepening civil-military ties through community participation.
The Army said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to fostering camaraderie and inspiring young people through sports.
The football tournament, jointly organised by the Black Cat Division of the Indian Army and the Youth Org Committee, Thegu, will conclude on August 15, coinciding with India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations.
Winning teams will receive cash prizes and football kits, while daily awards will be presented to recognise outstanding performances throughout the tournament. PTI COR NN
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.