14/09/2025
*Narendra Cup will inspire Fit India and drug-free India: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista*
The hills of Darjeeling and the plains around Siliguri are alive with excitement as the Narendra Cup Football Tournament is underway, bringing together players, teams, and football lovers from different corners of the region. The event, which began on September 11, will continue till September 17, and has already drawn a large number of spectators to its venues.
On Saturday, Member of Parliament from Darjeeling and BJP National Spokesperson, Raju Bista, visited the New Chamta Football Ground near Sukna to watch the matches and to interact with the players as well as local residents. His presence added a boost of encouragement to the young players, many of whom were stepping onto a bigger stage for the very first time.
Speaking on the occasion, Bista said the Narendra Cup Football Tournament would strengthen larger social movements such as Fit India and Drug-Free India, by giving youth a positive and healthy direction. He added that sports not only keep people fit but also give them discipline, motivation, and a sense of teamwork.
The tournament is being played across three venues: Gorkha Stadium in Lebong, the New Chamta Ground near Sukna, and the Dagapur Ground in Siliguri. Each ground is buzzing with enthusiasm, and the matches are attracting a steady stream of football fans, families, and young children who look up to the players.
At the New Chamta Ground, several spirited teams have taken to the field, carrying names that pay tribute to freedom fighters, martyrs, and Olympians of the region. These include Freedom Fighter Sarju Poddar FC (Tindharey), Saheed Phurba Tamang FC (Pedong), Freedom Fighter Putlimaya Tamang FC (Sukna), Saheed Binod S***a FC (Gorubathan), Olympian CS Gurung FC (Tung), Freedom Fighter Putalimaya Poddar FC (Sukna), Freedom Fighter Helen Lepcha FC (Chimney), Saheed Didhan Rai FC (Giddhapahar), Saheed Pratima Rai FC (Takdah), Saheed Subhash Rai FC (Pankhabari), and Major Durga Malla FC (Lapchu-Peshok).
The names of the teams themselves serve as a reminder of the history and sacrifices of the people from the Darjeeling hills. For many spectators, this tournament is not just about football, but also about remembering the heroes of the community who gave their lives for the country.
Players from these teams have shown remarkable energy and determination. The level of competition is intense, and every match has drawn loud cheers, whistles, and applause from the crowds. Families, students, and elders alike are filling up the stands, making the tournament a festival of both sports and community bonding.
MP Raju Bista praised the organizing committee for putting together such a large and meaningful event. тАЬThe Narendra Cup Football Tournament has given a strong platform to local talent,тАЭ he said. тАЬIt is not easy to bring together so many teams, players, and audiences, but the effort has been outstanding. I sincerely appreciate everyone who worked hard to make this tournament possible.тАЭ
The tournament has also created an opportunity for young players to dream bigger. For many, this is the first step to being noticed beyond their village or town. Some hope to play for bigger clubs or even represent the state and country in the future. Coaches and football enthusiasts believe tournaments like this will go a long way in keeping young people focused and away from negative habits.
