Advancing Inclusion through football: Generali Central Insurance and Sikkim Football Association successfully conclude Senior Women’s Football League 2026
• League concludes on a high note strengthening women’s football ecosystem in the region
• Team Singling Sporting Club (Soreng) Sikkim, wins the final match by 6-0 and takes home winner’s trophy and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh
Gangtok, March 08, 2026: Generali Central Insurance, a joint venture between global insurance major Generali and Central Bank of India, and Sikkim Football Association today announced the successful completion of the Women’s Football League in Sikkim, marking a significant milestone in the growth of women’s sports in the region.
Singling Sporting Club (Soreng), Sikkim won the final match by 6-0 and was awarded the championship trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh by the senior management of Generali Central Insurance Company Limited.
The company was the principal partner for the League, which witnessed participation from top clubs from across Sikkim, Darjeeling and Siliguri. The League, which commenced on February 24, witnessed enthusiastic participation from teams across the State and drew strong community support, underscoring the rising interest and potential for women’s football in the Himalayan region.
The league brought together talented young athletes from six clubs including Gangtok Himalayan Sporting Club (Sikkim); Singling Sporting Club (Soreng), Sikkim; Northereners Football (Mangan), Sikkim; Darjeeling XI; Chijachen Sports Academy (Sikkim); and Milan More Football Academy (Siliguri), creating new opportunities for women footballers to showcase their skills and pursue sporting excellence.
Over the course of the tournament, the league generated significant excitement among local communities and highlighted the growing momentum behind women’s sports in the Himalayan region serving as a critical bridge in the Grassroots to League Pathway. The successful completion of the league marks an important milestone in building a structured and sustainable ecosystem for women athletes and is expected to further accelerate participation and talent development in the years ahead.
By providing necessary financial support through this sponsorship, the company helped provide an impetus to the league elevating it to national standards and creating a sustainable ecosystem for women athletes in the region. With growing national attention on women’s sports and India’s expanding participation in international competitions, state-level leagues are critical to building depth in the talent pipeline.
Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Menla Ethenpa, President, Sikkim Football Association, said, “The past two weeks, the hills have been resounding to the success and spirit of women athletes in the region. The Senior Women’s Football League 2026 has been a landmark event for women’s football in Sikkim and we are grateful to Generali Central Insurance for their unwavering support as our partner in this tournament. The overwhelming participation and community support demonstrate that women’s football has a bright future in the region.”
Commenting on the initiative, Mr Anup Rau, MD&CEO, Generali Central Insurance, said, “We are proud to have partnered with the Sikkim Football Association in successfully organising the Senior Women’s Football League 2026, which has been a remarkable celebration of talent, determination and community spirit. The enthusiasm witnessed throughout the tournament clearly demonstrates the immense potential of women’s football in the region. As the Lead Insurer for Sikkim, our commitment goes beyond providing financial security. We believe that creating platforms like these can play a transformative role in encouraging young girls to pursue sports with confidence and ambition. We hope the momentum created by this league will inspire greater participation and contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant sporting culture in the years ahead.”
As an inclusive insurer, inclusive employer and inclusive corporate citizen, GCI has been driving meaningful change in financial services by embedding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into its core strategy. With 1% of its workforce comprising persons with disabilities and 20% representation of women across the organisation, GCI is setting a new standard for accessibility and inclusive growth. The company recently announced the launch of its bold new campaign – ‘Happy Women’s Pay’ - an initiative that reclaims the original spirit of International Women’s Day by placing equal pay at the centre of the conversation.
About Generali Central Insurance Company Limited
Generali Central Insurance Company Limited (formerly known as Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited) is a strategic joint venture between two distinguished financial institutions: the Generali Group, a global insurance enterprise with 193 years of operational heritage holding a 74% majority stake, and the Central Bank of India, India's first commercial bank with 113 years of established banking excellence.
Established in 2006, the Company was set up with a clear mandate to offer retail, commercial, personal, and rural insurance solutions, enabling individuals and businesses to effectively manage and mitigate risks. Generali Central Insurance (GCI) broke even in FY 2013-14 - a landmark achievement in just six years of operations.
As of FY 2024-25, GCI maintains robust financial fundamentals with ₹7,938 crore of assets under management and Gross Written Premium of ₹5,547.5 crore. The Company has established itself as a formidable presence in India's insurance landscape, securing a position among the nation's top 10 private general insurance companies.
GCI has consistently demonstrated excellence in organisational culture and operational performance - receiving the ‘Great Place to Work’ certification seven times in a row. The Company has also earned numerous industry accolades including the Emvies Awards 2025, The Economic Times Brand Disruption Awards 2025, ET Trendies 2025, ET Now Global Innovation Network Awards, and the Di-Verse Certification for Disability Inclusion in 2025.
