Wednesday, September 20 2006 13:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Gangtok: The All India Governor's Gold Cup football tournament, a major sporting event held annually in Sikkim, will kick off at the Paljor Stadium here on October five.

A total of 12 teams from all over the country and abroad including BSF Jalandhar, Punjab Police and Assam Rifles have so far confirmed their participation in the tournament, which will continue till October 19, Sikkim Football Association (SFA) President Tempo Bhutia says.

However, the lure of teams from Kolkata will be missing from the event this year because of their engagements elsewhere, the SFA President says.

A prize money of Rupees three lakh will be given to the winners of the championship and Rupees two lakh to the runners-up.