Gangtok Himalayan SC

Gangtok Himalayan FC (originally known as Sikkim Himalayan SC){{cite web|url=http://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/sikkim-premier-division-league-2023-to-kick-off-on-june-21st-580729-2023-06-16|title=Sikkim Premier Division League 2023 to kick off on June 21st|first=Sujal|last=Pradhan|location=Gangtok|website=indiatodayne.in|publisher=India Today North East|date=16 June 2023|access-date=2023-07-08|archive-date=2023-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616181450/http://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/sikkim-premier-division-league-2023-to-kick-off-on-june-21st-580729-2023-06-16}}{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/sikkim-premier-division-league-begins-today-at-paljor-stadium-602167-2023-06-21|title=Sikkim Premier Division League begins today at Paljor Stadium|first=Sujal|last=Pradhan|location=Gangtok|website=indiatodayne.in|publisher=India Today North East|date=21 June 2023|access-date=2023-07-08|archive-date=2023-07-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708132137/https://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/sikkim-premier-division-league-begins-today-at-paljor-stadium-602167-2023-06-21}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/sikkim-premier-division-league-to-kick-off-from-june-21-at-paljor-stadium|title=SIKKIM PREMIER DIVISION LEAGUE TO KICK-OFF FROM JUNE 21 AT PALJOR STADIUM|first=Bijoy|last=Gurung|website=sikkimexpress.com|publisher=Sikkim Express|date=17 June 2023|access-date=8 July 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619091420/https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/sikkim-premier-division-league-to-kick-off-from-june-21-at-paljor-stadium}} was founded in 2012 in Gangtok,{{cite web|first=Hans|last=Schöggl|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/indiafound.html|title=India — List of Foundation Dates|website=RSSSF|access-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023194819/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/indiafound.html|archive-date=23 October 2021}} the capital city of the Indian state Sikkim, and affiliated with Sikkim Football Association (SFA).{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/sfa-meet-with-premier-sikkim-clubs-for-development-of-game/articleshow/40912580.cms|title=Sikkim Football Association meet with Premier Sikkim clubs for development of game|website=The Times of India|access-date=29 July 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217095240/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/sfa-meet-with-premier-sikkim-clubs-for-development-of-game/articleshow/40912580.cms?from=mdr|archive-date=17 December 2021}}{{cite web|title= Sikkim Himalayan boys have proved why they are the reigning Sikkim Premier League Champions|url=http://www.goalie365.com/show_details.php?article_id=109|website=goalie365.com|publisher=Goalie365|date=27 December 2014|access-date=31 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531163147/http://www.goalie365.com/show_details.php?article_id=109|archive-date=31 May 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title= Sikkim Premier Division League 2016 Fixture Released|url=http://goalie365.com/show_details.php?article_id=649|website=goalie365.com|publisher=Goalie365|archive-date=18 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818054442/http://goalie365.com/show_details.php?article_id=649|date=22 July 2016|url-status=dead}} Since then, they have been participating in various domestic and amateur tournaments regionally.{{Cite web|url=https://khelnow.com/football/team/gangtok-himalayan-sc|title=Gangtok Himalayan SC|website=Khel Now|access-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216153143/https://khelnow.com/football/team/gangtok-himalayan-sc/|archive-date=16 December 2021}} The club was founded by Tenzing Lamtha.{{cite web|url=http://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/sikkim-himalayan-sc-starts-pre-season-training-to-focus-on-young-players|title=Sikkim Himalayan SC starts pre-season training to focus on young players|website=sikkimexpress.com|publisher=The Sikkim Express|access-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729171401/http://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/sikkim-himalayan-sc-starts-pre-season-training-to-focus-on-young-players|archive-date=29 July 2021}} In October 2014, Gangtok Himalayan participated in Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup and reached to the semi-finals, but their journey ended with a 2–1 defeat to ONGC FC.{{cite web|title=Breaking News: MMC Beats Sikkim FA To Enter Finals In 35th Governor's Gold Cup |url=http://www.goalnepal.com/news.php?id=22153 |website=goalnepal.com |publisher=Goal Nepal|access-date=19 October 2014 |date=20 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021043039/http://www.goalnepal.com/news.php?id=22153|archive-date=21 October 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=MMC Skipper Shiva Shrestha: We Want To Take Governor's Gold Cup Trophy To Nepal|url=http://www.goalnepal.com/news.php?id=22162|website=goalnepal.com|publisher=Goal Nepal|access-date=20 October 2014|date=20 October 2014|archive-date=21 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021042907/http://www.goalnepal.com/news.php?id=22162|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=Hans Schöggl & Karel Stokkermans|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/india2015.html|title=India tournaments 2014/15|website=RSSSF|access-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008052900/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/india2015.html|archive-date=8 October 2021}} In September 2015, former India international Arjunan Shanta Kumar was appointed as manager of the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/india-13-0-macau-india-u-16-teams-biggest-ever-victory/1pflwqnjs2s4m1wosmt3px1sni|title=India 13–0 Macau: Looking back at India U-16 team's biggest ever victory|website=goal.com|publisher=Goal|date=3 September 2017|access-date=11 February 2023|first=Atanu|last=Mitra|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909180504/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/india-13-0-macau-india-u-16-teams-biggest-ever-victory/1pflwqnjs2s4m1wosmt3px1sni|archive-date=9 September 2017}}

In January 2016, they were officially certified by the All India Football Federation to participate in the I-League 2nd Division,{{cite news|first=Abhishek|last=Shukla|title=I-LEAGUE 2ND DIVISION: MOHAMMEDAN KEEN TO BUILD ON THEIR IMPRESSIVE START AGAINST GANGTOK HIMALAYAN SC|url=https://www.indiafooty.com/2015/11/20/i-league-2nd-division-mohammedan-keen-to-build-on-their-impressive-start-against-gangtok-himalayan-sc/|access-date=8 July 2020|website=indiafooty.com|publisher=India Footy|date=20 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217110001/https://www.indiafooty.com/2015/11/20/i-league-2nd-division-mohammedan-keen-to-build-on-their-impressive-start-against-gangtok-himalayan-sc/|archive-date=17 December 2021}} the second tier of football in India, after finishing 2nd in the Sikkim Premier Division League. This move began a new chapter for Gangtok-based side as they became one of first professional football clubs from the North East India.{{cite web|url=https://globalsportsarchive.com/team/soccer/gangtok-himalayan-sc/25408/|title=Gangtok Himalayan Sporting Club fixtures in the I-League 2nd Division|website=globalsportsarchive.com|publisher=Global Sports Archive|access-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717141508/https://globalsportsarchive.com/team/soccer/gangtok-himalayan-sc/25408/|archive-date=17 July 2021}} 2016 was the most successful season for Gangtok Himalayan, in which they participated in the I-League 2nd Division, Durand Cup,{{cite news|title=Rohit double helps DSK Shivajians overcome Gangtok Himalayan|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Rohit-double-helps-DSK-Shivajians-overcome-Gangtok-Himalayan/articleshow/53948446.cms|access-date=14 January 2017|website=The Times of India|date=31 August 2016|archive-date=14 August 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814220345/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/rohit-double-helps-dsk-shivajians-overcome-gangtok-himalayan/articleshow/53948446.cms}}{{cite news|title=Gangtok Himalayan makes a flying start|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/Gangtok-Himalayan-makes-a-flying-start/article14599550.ece|access-date=30 January 2017|location=New Delhi|work=The Hindu|date=31 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109062855/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/Gangtok-Himalayan-makes-a-flying-start/article14598252.ece|archive-date=9 November 2020}} Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup and Sikkim Premier Division League.{{cite web |title=36th Sikkim Governors Gold Cup: Mohammedan Sporting edge Jhapa XI 1–0 to lift cup |url=http://xtratime.in/36th-sikkim-governors-gold-cup-mohammedan-sporting-edge-jhapa-xi-1-0-to-lift-cup/ |work=Xtratime.in |access-date=31 December 2017 |date=27 October 2016 |archive-date=1 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101025944/http://xtratime.in/36th-sikkim-governors-gold-cup-mohammedan-sporting-edge-jhapa-xi-1-0-to-lift-cup/ }}{{cite web|first=Nilesh|last=Bhattacharya|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/mohammedan-sporting-lift-governors-gold-cup/articleshow/55098639.cms|title=Mohamedan Sporting lifts Governor's Gold Cup|website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|publisher=The Times of India|date=27 October 2016|access-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111034859/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/mohammedan-sporting-lift-governors-gold-cup/articleshow/55098639.cms|archive-date=11 January 2022}} After finishing 2nd in the group A of the 2015–16 I-League 2nd Division,{{cite web|url=http://i-league.org/second-division-league/results-fixtures-2nd-division/|title=Results & Fixtures: 2nd Division I-League|website=I-League.org|access-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112144139/https://i-league.org/second-division-league/results-fixtures-2nd-division/|archive-date=12 November 2021|url-status=dead}} Gangtok Himalayan qualified for the 2015–16 I-League 2nd Division final round. There they finished as 5th and failed to qualify for the I-League.{{Cite web|first=Abhishek|last=Shukla|url=https://www.indiafooty.com/2016/04/29/i-league-2nd-division-minerva-beat-gangtok-himalayan-to-keeps-pressure-on-dempo/|title=I-LEAGUE 2ND DIVISION: MINERVA BEAT GANGTOK HIMALAYAN TO KEEPS PRESSURE ON DEMPO|website=indianfooty.com|publisher=India Footy|access-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217105224/https://www.indiafooty.com/2016/04/29/i-league-2nd-division-minerva-beat-gangtok-himalayan-to-keeps-pressure-on-dempo/|archive-date=17 December 2021}}

File:Paljor Stadium View.jpg, Gangtok, in 2017.]]

In 2016 Durand Cup, the Himalayans finished 5th, behind Indian Navy in the group A with 6 points.{{cite news|first=Khelchandra|last=Bharat|title=Durand Cup 2016: Minerva Academy FC Gets Direct Entry Along With 7 Other Clubs|url=http://www.indianfootballnetwork.com/blog/2016/07/06/durand-cup-2016-minerva-academy-fc-gets-direct-entry-along-7-clubs/|access-date=4 August 2016|website=indianfootballnetwork.com|publisher=Indian Football Network|date=6 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712010945/http://www.indianfootballnetwork.com/blog/2016/07/06/durand-cup-2016-minerva-academy-fc-gets-direct-entry-along-7-clubs/|archive-date=12 July 2016|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/durand-cup-shivajians-fc-face-himalayan-task/articleshow/53932261.cms|title=Durand Cup: Shivajians FC face 'Himalayan' task|website=The Times of India|access-date=1 March 2021|archive-date=17 December 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217103811/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/durand-cup-shivajians-fc-face-himalayan-task/articleshow/53932261.cms?from=mdr}} In 2016, the club took part in Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup, in which they reached quarter-finals defeating Nepali outfit Manang Marshyangdi 4–0.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/india2017.html#sikkimgov|title=India 2016/17 — Cup Tournaments: Governor's Gold Cup (Sikkim) 2016|website=RSSSF|access-date=28 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202181459/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/india2017.html#sikkimgov|first1=Hans|last1=Schöggl|first2=Karel|last2=Stokkermans|date=21 March 2024|archive-date=2 December 2024}} In 2019, they reached to the final of 39th edition of the Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup final defeating Royal FC Siliguri 3–1,{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/india2020.html|title=India 2019/20: Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup|website=RSSSF|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-date=7 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007091829/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/india2020.html}}{{cite web|first=Aritra|last=Chowdhury|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/msc-confident-ahead-of-gold-cup-final-vs-sikkim-himalayan-fc/articleshow/72011202.cms|title=MSC confident ahead of Gold Cup final vs Sikkim Himalayan FC|website=The Times of India|access-date=3 October 2021|date=11 November 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112181739/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/msc-confident-ahead-of-gold-cup-final-vs-sikkim-himalayan-fc/articleshow/72011202.cms|archive-date=12 November 2019}} but lost the title winning match to Mohammedan Sporting by 2–1 margin.{{cite web|url=https://www.kolkatafootball.com/39th_sikkim_governors_gold_cup_2019/sikkim_gold_cup_final.html|title=39th SIKKIM GOVERNOR'S GOLD CUP 2019 SEMI-FINALS AND FINAL|website=Kolkatafootball.com|publisher=Kolkata Football|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105194015/https://www.kolkatafootball.com/39th_sikkim_governors_gold_cup_2019/sikkim_gold_cup_final.html|archive-date=5 November 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/india/sikkim-governors-gold-cup/2019/s16822/final-stages/|title=Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup 2019 Final|publisher=Soccerway|website=int.soccerway.com|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927214619/https://int.soccerway.com/national/india/sikkim-governors-gold-cup/2019/s16822/final-stages/}} In that year, Gangtok Himalayan lifted Sikkim Independence Day Open Football Tournament trophy defeating Sikkim Aacraman FC via penalty shoot-out.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/sikkim-gangtok-himalayan-football-club-emerges-as-the-rising-stars-of-the-region-722767-2023-12-07|title=Sikkim: Gangtok Himalayan Football Club emerges as the rising stars of the region|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229165041/https://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/sikkim-gangtok-himalayan-football-club-emerges-as-the-rising-stars-of-the-region-722767-2023-12-07|first=Sujal|last=Pradhan|location=Gangtok|website=indiatodayne.in|publisher=India Today North East|date=7 December 2023|access-date=26 August 2024|archive-date=29 December 2023}}

The All India Football Federation were all set to invite bids for vacant spots in the I-League and Gangtok-based Sikkim Himalayan was one of the front-runners to join, but it was not materialized.{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/Gangtok-Himalayan-makes-a-flying-start/article14598252.ece|title=Gangtok Himalayan SC makes a flying start|website=thehindu.com|publisher=The Hindu|date=30 August 2016|access-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109062855/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/Gangtok-Himalayan-makes-a-flying-start/article14598252.ece|archive-date=9 November 2020}}

In 2020, Gangtok Himalayan went to Nepal for participating in the 18th Aaha! Rara Gold Cup, but their journey ended after a 3–0 defeat to Three Star Club in quarter-finals.{{cite web|url=https://www.nepal90.com/tournament/450/|title=AAHA RARA GOLD CUP (2020)|website=Nepal90.com|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003112823/https://www.nepal90.com/tournament/450/|archive-date=3 October 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/sports/three-star-advance-to-last-four|title=Three Star advance to last four|website=thehimalayantimes.com|publisher=The Himalayan Times|first1=Rup Narayan|last1=Dhakal|date=10 March 2020|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003112122/https://thehimalayantimes.com/sports/three-star-advance-to-last-four|archive-date=3 October 2021}} In November 2024, the club took part in the 2024 edition of Sikkim Gold Cup.{{Cite web |title=All lndia Governor's Gold Cup football tournament to be held in Gangtok from November 8–12 |url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/sports/2024/10/28/spd8-spo-foot-governors-sikkim.html |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=The Week |language=en |agency=PTI |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118164729/https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/sports/2024/10/28/spd8-spo-foot-governors-sikkim.html |archive-date=18 November 2024 }}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-11-02 |title=Governor's Gold Cup Returns in Grand Style with International Flair and Local Pride |url=https://voiceofsikkim.com/governors-gold-cup-returns-in-grand-style-with-international-flair-and-local-pride/ |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=The Voice Of Sikkim |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118164948/https://voiceofsikkim.com/governors-gold-cup-returns-in-grand-style-with-international-flair-and-local-pride/ |archive-date=18 November 2024 }}{{Cite web |title=Gold Cup back after 5-year gap: Sikkim to host soccer tourney with teams from India, abroad |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/gold-cup-back-after-5-year-gap-sikkim-to-host-soccer-tourney-with-teams-from-india-abroad/cid/2059282 |website=telegraphindia.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112082305/https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/gold-cup-back-after-5-year-gap-sikkim-to-host-soccer-tourney-with-teams-from-india-abroad/cid/2059282 |archive-date=12 November 2024 }} In that tournament, they defeated visiting Malaysian team Kelantan Darul Naim by 3–0 in the quarter-finals.{{cite web|url=https://m.sikkimexpress.com/article/gangtok-himalayan-sc-sets-up-quarterfinal-clash-with-malaysian-club/95165|title=Gangtok Himalayan SC sets up quarterfinal clash with Malaysian club|date=13 November 2024|location=Gangtok|access-date=18 November 2024|work=The Sikkim Express|archive-date=18 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118062453/https://sikkimexpress.com/news-details/gangtok-himalayan-sc-sets-up-quarterfinal-clash-with-malaysian-club}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/40th-governors-gold-cup-gokulam-fc-in-semis|title=40th Governor's Gold Cup: Gokulam FC in semis|date=17 November 2024|location=Gangtok|access-date=18 November 2024|work=The Sikkim Express|archive-date=17 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241117051749/https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/40th-governors-gold-cup-gokulam-fc-in-semis|first1=Bijoy|last1=Gurung}}{{cite web|url=https://m.sikkimexpress.com/article/gangtok-himalayan-stuns-malaysian-club-books-sf-berth/95210|title=GANGTOK HIMALAYAN STUNS MALAYSIAN CLUB, BOOKS SF BERTH|date=18 November 2024|location=Gangtok|access-date=18 November 2024|work=The Sikkim Express|archive-date=18 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118063655/https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/gangtok-himalayan-stuns-malaysian-club-books-sf-berth|first1=Bijoy|last1=Gurung}} The club later reached the final, but lost the title in penalty shoot-out with the margin of 0–0 (4–3) to NorthEast United.{{cite web|url=https://sikkimexpress.com/news-details/northeast-united-fc-lifts-40th-governors-gold-cup|title=NORTHEAST UNITED FC LIFTS 40TH GOVERNOR'S GOLD CUP|date=24 November 2024|location=Gangtok|access-date=25 November 2024|work=The Sikkim Express|archive-date=25 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241125075320/https://sikkimexpress.com/news-details/northeast-united-fc-lifts-40th-governors-gold-cup|first1=Jaswant|last1=Gautam}}

Gangtok Himalayan has a rivalry with their fellow Sikkim based club United Sikkim FC,{{cite web|agency=Press Trust of India|title=United Sikkim revived, Bhaichung Bhutia says aim is to bring ISL into state

|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/united-sikkim-revived-bhaichung-bhutia-says-aim-is-to-bring-isl-into-state/articleshow/80098738.cms|website=timesofindia.com|publisher=The Times of India|date=4 January 2021|access-date=5 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104123834/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/united-sikkim-revived-bhaichung-bhutia-says-aim-is-to-bring-isl-into-state/articleshow/80098738.cms|archive-date=4 January 2021|url-status=live}} whom they usually face in regional tournaments including Sikkim Premier Division League.{{cite web|first=Swapnaneel|last=Parasar|date=24 July 2018|url=https://www.goal.com/en/amp/news/sikkim-football-league-structure-india/6njz9an3wn6g1kage4csg1mee|title=All you need to know about football league structure in Sikkim|website=Goal.com|access-date=17 August 2021|archive-date=17 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817181142/https://www.goal.com/en/news/sikkim-football-league-structure-india/6njz9an3wn6g1kage4csg1mee|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/united-sikkim-fc-pull-off-spectacular-win-crucial-sikkim-premier-league-match.html|title=United Sikkim FC pull off spectacular win in crucial Sikkim Premier League match|last=NE NOW NEWS|first=11:14 am|date=19 August 2018|access-date=15 April 2022|website=nenow.in|publisher=North East Now|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415142201/https://nenow.in/north-east-news/united-sikkim-fc-pull-off-spectacular-win-crucial-sikkim-premier-league-match.html|archive-date=15 April 2022}} The rivalry is commonly referred to as "Sikkim Derby". Both the clubs mostly use Paljor Stadium as their home ground. One of their most memorable matches was on 9 November 2019 during Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup, and Gangtok Himalayan won by 3–1.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2019/11/09/india/sikkim-governors-gold-cup/royal-united-skm/sikkim-himalayan/3184529/|title=Gangtok Himalayan SC vs United Sikkim (Sikkim Gold Cup 2019)|website=Soccerway.com|access-date=7 May 2021|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509043505/https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2019/11/09/india/sikkim-governors-gold-cup/royal-united-skm/sikkim-himalayan/3184529/}}

File:Paljor Stadium, Gangtok.jpg

For I-League 2nd Division, the club announced that they would play their home matches at the 30,000 seater Paljor Stadium in the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok.{{cite web|url=https://i-league.org/dempo-sc-start-final-round-against-gangtok-himalayan-sc-at-paljor/|title=Dempo SC start final round against Gangtok Himalayan SC at Paljor Stadium in Sikkim|website=i-league.org|date=25 March 2016|access-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507093542/https://i-league.org/dempo-sc-start-final-round-against-gangtok-himalayan-sc-at-paljor/|archive-date=7 May 2021|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://isikkim.com/02-sikkimese-teams-take-on-their-opponents-at-2nd-division-i-league-prelims-43/|title=Sikkimese teams to face opponents at 2nd Division I-League prelims|date=18 March 2011|access-date=21 March 2011|website=iSikkim.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322061921/http://isikkim.com/02-sikkimese-teams-take-on-their-opponents-at-2nd-division-i-league-prelims-43/|archive-date=22 March 2011|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.findglocal.com/IN/Gangtok/376986009125176/Gangtok-Himalayan-Sporting-Club|title=Gangtok Himalayan Sports Club|website=findglocal.com|access-date=1 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216152615/https://www.findglocal.com/IN/Gangtok/376986009125176/Gangtok-Himalayan-Sporting-Club|archive-date=16 December 2021}} The club has also used the stadium for matches of regional tournaments like Sikkim Premier Division League.{{cite web|last=Goalie365|title=Sikkim Football Association released the fixture for 2018 Sikkim Premier Division League at football house in Gangtok.|url=http://www.goalie365.com/show_details.php?article_id=2315/Sikkim%20Premier%20Division%20League%202018%20fixtures%20announced|website=Goalie365.com|access-date=16 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722011358/http://www.goalie365.com/show_details.php?article_id=2315/Sikkim%20Premier%20Division%20League%202018%20fixtures%20announced|archive-date=22 July 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.goalie365.com/show_details.php?article_id=3113|title=PREMIER DIVISION S-LEAGUE 2019: KUMAR SPORTING FC 2–2 UNICORN FC AND SIKKIM AAKRAMAN FC 5–0 UNITED SIKKIM FC|date=31 August 2019|website=goalie365.com|access-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708221245/https://www.goalie365.com/show_details.php?article_id=3113|archive-date=8 July 2020|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|first=Yuvraj|last=Gurung|title=Sikkim Premier Division League 2019: Update|url=https://theawayend.co/2019/09/17/sikkim-premier-division-league-2019-update/|access-date=17 September 2019|website=theawayend.co|publisher=The Away End|date=17 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002060745/https://theawayend.co/2019/09/17/sikkim-premier-division-league-2019-update/|archive-date=2 October 2019}}{{cite news|title=TENZING TSHEPEL DOUBLE HAND SIKKIM AAKRAMAN FC CRUCIAL THREE POINTS|url=https://www.goalie365.com/show_details.php?article_id=1413|access-date=8 July 2020|publisher=Goalie365|website=www.goalie365.com|date=16 September 2017|archive-date=11 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711080035/https://www.goalie365.com/show_details.php?article_id=1413|url-status=dead}} It was opened in 1943 and has artificial turf.{{cite web|title=Paljor Stadium|access-date=18 August 2017|publisher=soccerway|url=https://int.soccerway.com/venues/india/paljor-stadium/v8748/|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214010319/https://int.soccerway.com/venues/india/paljor-stadium/v8748/}}{{cite web|title=USFC concludes training for Kalinga Cup & 2nd Div I-League|url=http://isikkim.com/2011-12-usfc-concludes-training-for-kalinga-cup-2nd-div-i-league-31-03/|publisher=iSikkim|access-date=16 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120131918/http://isikkim.com/2011-12-usfc-concludes-training-for-kalinga-cup-2nd-div-i-league-31-03/|archive-date=20 January 2012|url-status=dead}}

• The players below had senior or age-level international cap(s) for their respective countries or autonomous regions. Players whose name is listed, represented their countries before or after playing for Gangtok Himalayan SC.
• {{flagicon|NEP}} Palsang Lama (2013–2015){{cite news|title=Mohammedan SC suffers first loss; go down 1–2 to Tollygunge|url=http://thif-live.com/cfl-mohammedan-sc-suffers-first-loss-go-down-1-2-to-tollygunge/|location=Kolkata|first=Ujjal|last=Sarkhel|publisher=Thif-Live.com|date=9 August 2016|access-date=21 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821022613/http://thif-live.com/cfl-mohammedan-sc-suffers-first-loss-go-down-1-2-to-tollygunge/|archive-date=21 August 2016|url-status=dead}}
• {{flagicon|Tibet}} Tashi Samphel (2016–2018){{cite news|title=Rohit double helps DSK Shivajians overcome Gangtok Himalayan|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Rohit-double-helps-DSK-Shivajians-overcome-Gangtok-Himalayan/articleshow/53948446.cms|access-date=14 January 2017|website=The Times of India|date=31 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814220345/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/rohit-double-helps-dsk-shivajians-overcome-gangtok-himalayan/articleshow/53948446.cms|archive-date=14 August 2021}}
• {{flagicon|Tibet}} {{flagicon|NEP}} Tashi Tsering (2009–2010){{Cref2|Note 1}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.tnsa.info/ |title=Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA) |access-date=17 September 2021 |archive-date=30 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070530084834/http://www.tnsa.info/ |url-status=dead }}
• {{flagicon|Tibet}} Tsering Dhundup (2007–2008){{cite web|url=http://olympiquemidilirou.midiblogs.com/archive/2008/04/04/shaolin-soccer-foot-au-tibet.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080525091406/http://olympiquemidilirou.midiblogs.com/archive/2008/04/04/shaolin-soccer-foot-au-tibet.html|title=Shaolin Soccer Foot au Tibet, team 2008|website=olympiquemidilirou.midiblogs.com|access-date=15 August 2021|archive-date=25 May 2008}}
• {{flagicon|Tibet}} Pema Lhundup (2018–2019){{Cite web|url=https://www.tibetsun.com/news/2018/05/30/tibetan-football-to-debut-in-conifa-2018-world-cup|title=Tibetan Football to debut in CONIFA 2018 World Cup|website=Tibetsun.com|access-date=10 February 2021|archive-date=31 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331022824/https://www.tibetsun.com/news/2018/05/30/tibetan-football-to-debut-in-conifa-2018-world-cup|url-status=live}}
• {{flagicon|NEP}} Yogesh Gurung (2013–2014)[https://globalsportsarchive.com/people/soccer/yogesh-gurung/92150/ Yogesh Gurung player info and statistics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902144223/https://globalsportsarchive.com/people/soccer/yogesh-gurung/92150/ |date=2 September 2021 }} globalsportsarchive.com. Global Sports Archive. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
• {{flagicon|Tibet}} Karma Tsewang (2015–2017){{Cref2|Note 2}}{{cite web|url=https://www.phayul.com/2019/09/05/41636/|title=I-League's Real Kashmir FC signs Tibet's No.1 goalie Tenzin Samdup|date=5 September 2019|access-date=20 December 2022|publisher=Phayul Newsdesk|website=phayul.com|location=Dharamshala|archive-date=11 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211135137/https://www.phayul.com/2019/09/05/41636/}}
• {{flagicon|NGR}} Stephen Harry (2017–2018){{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/mohammedan-sc-rope-in-nigerian-striker-harry/articleshow/65230865.cms|title=Mohammedan Sporting Club rope in Gangtok Himalayan's former Nigerian striker Stephen Harry|first=Abhishek|last=Ganguly|date=1 August 2018|access-date=26 November 2022|website=The Times of India|location=Kolkata|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925174532/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/mohammedan-sc-rope-in-nigerian-striker-harry/articleshow/65230865.cms|archive-date=25 September 2022}}

• Sikkim Premier Division League
• Champions (1): 2014{{cite web|title=Sikkim Himalayan SC has technically won the Sikkim Premier League title with one more game to go.|url=http://goalie365.com/show_details.php?article_id=89/Sikkim%20Himalayan%20SC%20%20wins%20%20Sikkim%20Premier%20League.|access-date=29 November 2014|website=Goalie365.com|archive-date=16 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016140317/http://goalie365.com/show_details.php?article_id=89%2FSikkim%20Himalayan%20SC%20%20wins%20%20Sikkim%20Premier%20League.|url-status=live}}
• Runners-up (1): 2016,{{cite web|title=Sikkim Aakraman F.C. Sikkim Premier Division League Champions|url=http://sikkimexpress.com/NewsDetails?ContentID=6530&SectionID=2|website=sikkimexpress.com|publisher=The Sikkim Express|date=26 September 2017|access-date=28 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927145752/http://sikkimexpress.com/NewsDetails?ContentID=6530&SectionID=2|archive-date=27 September 2017|url-status=dead}} 2023

• Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup
• Runners-up (2): 2019,{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/india-sikkimgoldcuphist.html|title=India – List of All India Governor's Gold Cup Winners (Sikkim)|website=RSSSF|access-date=13 March 2021|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507053015/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesi/india-sikkimgoldcuphist.html|date=28 January 2021|first=Hans|last=Schöggl}}{{cite web|url=http://www.indianfootball.de/data/sikkimgoldcup.html|title=List of Winners/Runners-Up of the Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup|website=indianfootball.de|publisher=Indian Football Network|access-date=16 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006211012/http://www.indianfootball.de/data/sikkimgoldcup.html|archive-date=6 October 2021|url-status=dead|author=Arunava Chaudhuri}} 2024{{cite web|url=https://thebridge.in/amp/football/northeast-united-fc-win-governors-gold-cup-50777|title=NorthEast United FC win Governor's Gold Cup|work=The Bridge|date=24 November 2024|access-date=24 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124163452/https://thebridge.in/football/northeast-united-fc-win-governors-gold-cup-50777|archive-date=24 November 2024}}
• Sikkim Independence Day Championship
• Champions (1): 2019{{cite web|url=https://www.localgymsandfitness.com/IN/Gangtok/1413529158887038/Paljor-Stadium-Gangtok|title=Paljor Stadium Gangtok News|website=localgymsandfitness.com|access-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216170044/https://www.localgymsandfitness.com/IN/Gangtok/1413529158887038/Paljor-Stadium-Gangtok|archive-date=16 December 2021}}
• Kohima Royal Gold Cup
• Champions (1): 1996{{cite web|first=Arunava|last=Chaudhuri|url=http://www.indianfootball.de/data/royalgoldcup.html|title=List of winners and runners-up of the Kohima Royal Gold Cup|website=indianfootball.de|publisher=Indian Football Network|access-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006211011/http://www.indianfootball.de/data/royalgoldcup.html|archive-date=6 October 2021|url-status=dead}}
• Darjeeling Gurkha Gold Cup
• Runners-up (1): 2012{{cite web|url=https://www.the-aiff.com/article/bengaluru-fc-bow-out-of-dsk-cup|title=Bengaluru FC bow out of DSK Cup|website=the-aiff.com|publisher=All India Football Federation|location=New Delhi|date=31 October 2015|access-date=30 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827032231/https://www.the-aiff.com/article/bengaluru-fc-bow-out-of-dsk-cup|archive-date=27 August 2023}}
• Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup
• Runners-up (1): 2018{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablest/tibetcuphist.html|title=Tibet — GCMGC Gold Cup Winners|website=rsssf.com|first=Hans|last=Schöggl|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|date=11 June 2023|access-date=30 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208000312/https://www.rsssf.org/tablest/tibetcuphist.html|archive-date=8 December 2022}}
• Bimal Ghosh Memorial Trophy
• Runners-up (1): 2019{{cite web|url=https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/himalayan-sc-wins-bimal-ghosh-memorial-trophy|title=HIMALAYAN SC WINS BIMAL GHOSH MEMORIAL TROPHY|website=sikkimexpress.com|location=Gangtok|publisher=The Sikkim Express|date=27 December 2019|access-date=30 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116085749/https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/himalayan-sc-wins-bimal-ghosh-memorial-trophy|archive-date=16 January 2020}}

The club has been operating various youth men's teams for regional tournaments. In 2013, their U-14 team took part in Snow Lion Cup, hosted by United Sikkim.{{cite web|url=http://footballnewsindia.in/2013/12/13/united-sikkim-fc-host-u-14-snow-lion-cup/|title=UNITED SIKKIM FC TO HOST U-14 SNOW LION CUP|publisher=Football News India|website=footballnewsindia.in|access-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623145000/http://footballnewsindia.in/2013/12/13/united-sikkim-fc-host-u-14-snow-lion-cup/|agency=I-Sikkim|archive-date=23 June 2023|date=13 December 2013}} The club took part in Hero Junior League.{{cite web|first=Sagar|last=Chettri|url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/sikkim-himalayan-sporting-club-all-set-for-hero-junior-league.html/amp|title=Sikkim Himalayan Sporting Club all set for Hero Junior League|website=nenow.in|publisher=The Northeast Now|access-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729173035/https://nenow.in/north-east-news/sikkim-himalayan-sporting-club-all-set-for-hero-junior-league.html|archive-date=29 July 2021}}

Gangtok Himalayan has men's futsal section, that participated in tournaments like Chandmari Futsal Championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.northeasttoday.in/2022/12/15/sikkim-namsoong-futsal-tournament-kicks-off-at-chandmari/|title=Sikkim: Namsoong Futsal Tournament Kicks Off At Chandmari|website=northeasttoday.in|publisher=The North-East Today|first=Sujal|last=Pradhan|location=Gangtok|date=15 December 2022|access-date=3 October 2023|archive-date=16 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216071346/https://www.northeasttoday.in/2022/12/15/sikkim-namsoong-futsal-tournament-kicks-off-at-chandmari/}}{{Cite web|date=2020-12-24|title=Sikkim Aakraman FC wins Chandmari Futsal tournament 2020|url=https://eastnews.in/latest-north-east-news/sikkim-news/sikkim-aakraman-fc-wins-chandmari-futsal-tournament-2020/|access-date=2021-12-21|website=East News|language=en-US|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221172033/https://eastnews.in/latest-north-east-news/sikkim-news/sikkim-aakraman-fc-wins-chandmari-futsal-tournament-2020/}}

• List of football clubs in India
• Northeast Derby (India)

{{Cnote2 Begin}}

{{Cnote2|Note 1|Besides Nepal national football team, Tashi Tsering also represented Tibet national football team in non-FIFA international matches.}}

{{Cnote2|Note 2|Karma Tsewang is an Indian-born footballer, who represents Tibet national football team in non-FIFA international matches.}}

{{Cnote2 End}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite web|url=http://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/sikkim-premier-division-league-2023-to-kick-off-on-june-21st-580729-2023-06-16|title=Sikkim Premier Division League 2023 to kick off on June 21st|first=Sujal|last=Pradhan|location=Gangtok|website=indiatodayne.in|publisher=India Today North East|date=16 June 2023|archive-date=16 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616181450/http://www.indiatodayne.in/sport/story/sikkim-premier-division-league-2023-to-kick-off-on-june-21st-580729-2023-06-16}}
• {{cite news |title=Rohit double helps DSK Shivajians overcome Gangtok Himalayan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Rohit-double-helps-DSK-Shivajians-overcome-Gangtok-Himalayan/articleshow/53948446.cms |access-date=14 January 2017 |website=The Times of India |agency=PTI |date=31 August 2016 |archive-date=14 August 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814220345/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/rohit-double-helps-dsk-shivajians-overcome-gangtok-himalayan/articleshow/53948446.cms}}
• {{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/bhaichung-bhutia-shuts-down-former-i-league-club-united-sikkim-6018442/lite/|title=Bhaichung Bhutia shuts down former I-League club United Sikkim|website=indianexpress.com|publisher=The Indian Express|date=22 September 2019|location=Gangtok|agency=Press Trust of India|access-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927051845/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/bhaichung-bhutia-shuts-down-former-i-league-club-united-sikkim-6018442/|archive-date=27 September 2019}}
• {{cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/business-of-life/not-just-about-the-money-1540450129683.html|title=Not just about the money — Bhaichung Bhutia's United Sikkim FC faces challenges that test him as an administrator|date=5 December 2012|access-date=30 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030154103/https://www.livemint.com/news/business-of-life/not-just-about-the-money-1540450129683.html|archive-date=30 October 2023|location=Gangtok|work=LiveMint.com|first1=Nikhilesh|last1=Bhattacharya}}

• [https://globalsportsarchive.com/team/soccer/gangtok-himalayan-sc/25408/ Team info] at Global Sports Archive
• [https://www.arunfoot.com/category/indian-football/second-division-league/page/99/ I-League 2nd Division pages: Gangtok FC] at ArunFoot
• [https://m.aiscore.com/team-gangtok-himalayan/wv78xidxg0hnkrj Gangtok Himalayan SC] at Aiscore
• [https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/gangtok-himalayan/230662 Gangtok Himalayan SC] at Sofascore
• [https://www.footballcritic.com/gangtok-himalayan-sc/squad/25408 Team profile] at Football Critic

{{Football in Sikkim}}

Category:Association football clubs established in 2012

Category:Football clubs in Sikkim

Category:I-League 2 clubs

Category:2012 establishments in Sikkim