23/07/2026
Despite its rich footballing culture, not a single Sikkim-based academy or club features among AIFF's 142 accredited academies for the 2026–27 season, raising questions about the state's youth development pathway.
The AIFF, in close collaboration with its State Football Associations (SFAs), grades clubs' and academies' youth development structures through its Academy Accreditation process and offers national recognition based on the standards achieved.
For the 2026–27 season, Punjab FC, Bengaluru FC, Reliance Foundation Young Champs, Minerva Academy, Madras FC, Jamshedpur FC, and Alchemy International secured five-star accreditation. Even the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council and NorthEast United FC earned three-star accreditation.
A total of 164 academies applied for accreditation for the 2026–27 season, of which 142 were accredited. Sixteen academies achieved five- and four-star ratings, a significant increase from last season's tally of seven, reflecting the continued improvement in the quality and standards of youth academies across the country.
The 2026–27 accreditation cycle also introduced several enhancements to strengthen the player development pathway. The academy structure was expanded to include Under-20 boys' and Under-18 girls' teams, while academies were rewarded for every five youth matches played and recorded on the AIFF CMS.
What happened to Sikkim's football clubs, once considered among the powerhouses of Indian football? Even during Minerva Academy's successful European tour, there were hardly any players from Sikkim, despite strong representation from other Northeast states.
One academy that is doing commendable work at the grassroots level is Lokendra Football Academy (LFA), which has partnered with Minerva Academy under the leadership of Ranjit Bajaj. The academy still requires greater support from both the government and the public to grow into a bigger club. Its new facility at Yangtey, backed by the Government of Sikkim and N.B. Dahal, is scheduled for completion in 2027 and will serve as a premier hub for youth football in the state. Around 30% of the development is being supported by N.B. Dahal.
Sikkim needs a long-term vision to build football infrastructure and create a pathway for players to compete at the national level. Even small clubs from Shillong have secured AIFF accreditation. So what prevented Sikkim? There was once United Sikkim FC, but it eventually collapsed. What comes next?
Football is deeply embedded in Sikkim's culture, especially among young people. India once produced a national football captain from Sikkim whose name is still recognised across the footballing world.
A few months ago, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi stayed at Raj Bhawan, he encouraged young footballers to inspire the next generation. Yet today, Sikkim does not have a single football club or academy with even a one-star AIFF accreditation. Perhaps sooner or later, the current government will take concrete steps to strengthen football development and help produce the country's next generation of top players and clubs maybe from Lokendra Football Academy.
