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Blue Tigresses Make History: India vs Nepal Women's Football in Gangtok

The Indian women's football team is set to create history by playing their first-ever international match in Sikkim. This exhibition against Nepal comes just after the Blue Tigresses qualified for the Asian Cup 2026 after 22 years. Sikkim's Chief Minister hosted both teams for dinner ahead of the landmark event. Football fans can enjoy free entry to witness this historic occasion at Paljor Stadium.

Key Points: Indian Women's Football Team Exhibition Match vs Nepal Gangtok

  • Historic first international women's match in Sikkim at Paljor Stadium
  • Free entry announced for all football fans across region
  • Match comes days after Nepal's 2-1 victory in Shillong
  • Expected record crowd of 25,000 for landmark football event
2 min read

Indian women's team to play exhibition match against Nepal in Gangtok

Indian women's football team faces Nepal in historic exhibition match at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok with free entry for fans after Asian Cup qualification.

"Sikkim is excited to see an international match between India and Nepal at our doorstep - Menla Ethenpa, SFA President"

New Delhi, October 29

The Indian women's team will face Nepal in an exhibition match at the Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, on Wednesday, as per the official website of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The fixture comes just two days after the conclusion of the Tri-Nation International Friendlies in Shillong, held during the FIFA Women's International Match Window, where Nepal secured a 2-1 win over India.

The match, organised by the Sikkim Football Association (SFA), promises to be a special occasion for football fans in the region, marking the Blue Tigresses' first-ever international appearance in Sikkim. On Tuesday, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang Golay, hosted the Indian and Nepalese women's teams for dinner on the eve of the match against Nepal.

Menla Ethenpa, President, Sikkim Football Association, expressed the state's excitement ahead of the landmark event.

"Sikkim is excited to see an international match between India and Nepal at our doorstep at the Paljor Stadium, Gangtok. We are grateful to Shri Kalyan Chaubey, President, AIFF, for giving us such an opportunity. Moreover, our Indian women's team has qualified for the Asian Cup 2026 after a gap of 22 years," said Ethenpa, as quoted from the official website of AIFF.

"Sikkim has been preparing for the match since last week, with special attention given to the maintenance of the ground. It is expected that a record crowd of approximately 25,000 will attend the stadium to witness the match. The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay, has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest on the occasion," he noted.

In a gesture reflecting the state's passion for football, the Sikkim Football Association has announced free entry for the public.

"The hype and atmosphere surrounding the match are incredible. Seeing the enthusiasm of football fans, we decided to make entry free so that football lovers from all corners of Sikkim and neighbouring districts of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and North Bengal can come and enjoy the match," Ethenpa added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Free entry is a brilliant move by Sikkim FA! This will really help develop football culture in the region. Hope our girls bounce back strong after that 2-1 loss to Nepal in Shillong. Let's show them our support!
A
Aditya G
While I appreciate the initiative, I wish AIFF would schedule more matches across different states instead of concentrating in Northeast. Women's football needs pan-India exposure to grow properly.
S
Sarah B
The CM hosting both teams for dinner shows great sportsmanship spirit. India-Nepal matches always have that special friendly rivalry. Hope this strengthens our regional football ties!
K
Kavya N
Finally some international football action in Sikkim! 25,000 expected crowd shows how much Northeast loves football. Our women's team deserves this kind of support. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳⚽
M
Michael C
Great to see women's football getting this kind of attention. The free entry policy is particularly commendable - makes the sport accessible to everyone. Hope this becomes a regular feature!

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