News & Announcement
Jorethang Hosts Press Conference for Maghey Sankranti Mela 2026
Namchi, Jan 02 (IPR): A Press conference in connection with the forthcoming Maghey Sankranti Mela, 2026, and the 11th All India Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Football Tournament was held at Jorethang today.
The briefing was addressed by MLA Salghari–Zoom and Chief Patron of the Maghey Sankranti Mela, Mr Madan Cintury, along with members of the organising committee.
Addressing the media, the MLA reiterated the vision of the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, to elevate the Maghey Sankranti Mela to greater heights and secure recognition on international platforms. He informed that the organising committee, in close coordination with officers of all line departments, has been working in tandem and at a war-footing pace to ensure a grand and successful celebration.
He further stated that the Governor of Sikkim, Mr Om Prakash Mathur, will grace the opening ceremony of the festival as the Chief Guest.
Elaborating on the cultural programmes, the MLA shared that 14th January 2026 has been earmarked for events catering especially to the older generation, showcasing traditional cultural performances. Similarly, 15th January 2026 has been designated for the younger generation, featuring performances by teenagers and youth during a special cultural night.
Highlighting the line-up of performers, the MLA announced that renowned artists such as Shaan, Ashish Rana (Laure), John Rai, Purna Rai and Dajubhai, along with several other artistes, will perform during the course of the mela. He also informed that various hotels, homestays and lodges in and around Jorethang and nearby areas of Soreng District have been designated to accommodate guests and visitors.
Concluding his address, the MLA extended a warm invitation to all to participate in and enjoy the Maghey Sankranti Mela, while appealing for a harmonious and peaceful celebration.
In his brief statement, President, Nayabazar Jorethang Nagar Panchayat, Mr Pavitra Manav, stated that Maghey Sankranti Mela 2026 is being celebrated with a fine blend of tradition and culture, while also incorporating modern ideas. He added that the festival serves as a platform to groom the younger generation as torch-bearers, enabling them to carry forward the legacy of the celebration with responsibility and efficiency.
Meanwhile, General Secretary, Jorethang Football Association and the 11th All India Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Football Tournament, Mr Ruben Subba, informed that the tournament will witness the participation of 16 teams. The matches will commence on 5th January 2026, with the final scheduled for 22nd January 2026. He further stated that the winning team will receive a cash prize of ₹20 lakh, while the runners-up will be awarded ₹10 lakh. Additionally, the Man of the Tournament will be honoured with a vehicle (Tata Tiago).
The teams participating in the 11th All India Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Football Tournament are as follows:
Sikkim Police (Sikkim)
Gangtok Himalayan Sporting Club (Sikkim)
Red Panda Football Club (Sikkim)
Singling Sporting Club (Sikkim)
BSF (Jalandhar)
Newtown Sports Academy (Kolkata)
Church Boys United (Nepal)
Nongkesh Sports Social and Cultural Club (Shillong)
Ramhlun Football Club (Mizoram)
NEROCA Football Club (Manipur)
Punjab Police (Jalandhar)
Sudeva Delhi Football Club
Oil India Football Club (Assam)
Paro Football Club (Bhutan)
Eastern Railway (Kolkata)
Also present during the press conference were Vice President NJNP Ms Nikita Rai, Press Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr Yougan Tamang, OSD to the MLA Mr Raju Roshan Pradhan, along with members of the Jorethang Football Association and the Mela Organising Committee.
The briefing was addressed by MLA Salghari–Zoom and Chief Patron of the Maghey Sankranti Mela, Mr Madan Cintury, along with members of the organising committee.
Addressing the media, the MLA reiterated the vision of the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, to elevate the Maghey Sankranti Mela to greater heights and secure recognition on international platforms. He informed that the organising committee, in close coordination with officers of all line departments, has been working in tandem and at a war-footing pace to ensure a grand and successful celebration.
He further stated that the Governor of Sikkim, Mr Om Prakash Mathur, will grace the opening ceremony of the festival as the Chief Guest.
Elaborating on the cultural programmes, the MLA shared that 14th January 2026 has been earmarked for events catering especially to the older generation, showcasing traditional cultural performances. Similarly, 15th January 2026 has been designated for the younger generation, featuring performances by teenagers and youth during a special cultural night.
Highlighting the line-up of performers, the MLA announced that renowned artists such as Shaan, Ashish Rana (Laure), John Rai, Purna Rai and Dajubhai, along with several other artistes, will perform during the course of the mela. He also informed that various hotels, homestays and lodges in and around Jorethang and nearby areas of Soreng District have been designated to accommodate guests and visitors.
Concluding his address, the MLA extended a warm invitation to all to participate in and enjoy the Maghey Sankranti Mela, while appealing for a harmonious and peaceful celebration.
In his brief statement, President, Nayabazar Jorethang Nagar Panchayat, Mr Pavitra Manav, stated that Maghey Sankranti Mela 2026 is being celebrated with a fine blend of tradition and culture, while also incorporating modern ideas. He added that the festival serves as a platform to groom the younger generation as torch-bearers, enabling them to carry forward the legacy of the celebration with responsibility and efficiency.
Meanwhile, General Secretary, Jorethang Football Association and the 11th All India Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Football Tournament, Mr Ruben Subba, informed that the tournament will witness the participation of 16 teams. The matches will commence on 5th January 2026, with the final scheduled for 22nd January 2026. He further stated that the winning team will receive a cash prize of ₹20 lakh, while the runners-up will be awarded ₹10 lakh. Additionally, the Man of the Tournament will be honoured with a vehicle (Tata Tiago).
The teams participating in the 11th All India Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Football Tournament are as follows:
Sikkim Police (Sikkim)
Gangtok Himalayan Sporting Club (Sikkim)
Red Panda Football Club (Sikkim)
Singling Sporting Club (Sikkim)
BSF (Jalandhar)
Newtown Sports Academy (Kolkata)
Church Boys United (Nepal)
Nongkesh Sports Social and Cultural Club (Shillong)
Ramhlun Football Club (Mizoram)
NEROCA Football Club (Manipur)
Punjab Police (Jalandhar)
Sudeva Delhi Football Club
Oil India Football Club (Assam)
Paro Football Club (Bhutan)
Eastern Railway (Kolkata)
Also present during the press conference were Vice President NJNP Ms Nikita Rai, Press Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr Yougan Tamang, OSD to the MLA Mr Raju Roshan Pradhan, along with members of the Jorethang Football Association and the Mela Organising Committee.
