Advancing Inclusion Through Football: Generali Central Insurance and Sikkim Football Association Successfully Conclude Senior Women’s Football League 2026
Generali Central Insurance, a joint venture between global insurance major Generali and Central Bank of India, in partnership with the Sikkim Football Association, today announced the successful conclusion of the Senior Women’s Football League 2026 in Sikkim. The tournament marks an important milestone in the continued growth and development of women’s sports in the region.
Singling Sporting Club (Soreng), Sikkim delivered an impressive performance in the final, defeating their opponents 6–0 to claim the championship title. The winning team was awarded the trophy along with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh by the senior management of Generali Central Insurance Company Limited.
Generali Central Insurance served as the principal partner for the league, which saw participation from leading clubs across Sikkim, Darjeeling and Siliguri. The tournament commenced on February 24 and witnessed enthusiastic participation from teams across the state, drawing strong community support and highlighting the growing interest in women’s football in the Himalayan region.
The league brought together talented young athletes from six clubs: Gangtok Himalayan Sporting Club (Sikkim), Singling Sporting Club (Soreng), Northereners Football (Mangan), Darjeeling XI, Chijachen Sports Academy (Sikkim), and Milan More Football Academy (Siliguri). The platform created valuable opportunities for women footballers to showcase their talent and pursue competitive sporting pathways.
Over the course of the tournament, the league generated significant excitement among local communities and highlighted the increasing momentum behind women’s sports in the Himalayan region. The competition also served as an important bridge in the grassroots-to-league pathway, helping nurture emerging talent and strengthen the regional football ecosystem.
The successful completion of the league marks a key step toward building a structured and sustainable platform for women athletes. With growing national attention on women’s sports and India’s expanding participation in international competitions, such state-level leagues play a critical role in strengthening the talent pipeline.
Through its financial support and partnership, Generali Central Insurance helped elevate the league to higher competitive standards while contributing to the creation of a sustainable ecosystem for women footballers in the region.
Commenting on the partnership, Menla Ethenpa, President, Sikkim Football Association, said:
“The past two weeks have seen the hills resonate with the spirit and success of women athletes in the region. The Senior Women’s Football League 2026 has been a landmark event for women’s football in Sikkim. We are grateful to Generali Central Insurance for their unwavering support as our partner in this tournament. The overwhelming participation and strong community backing demonstrate that women’s football has a bright future in the region.”
Commenting on the initiative, 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 extends beyond providing financial security. We believe 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, employer and corporate citizen, Generali Central Insurance continues to drive meaningful change 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, the company is setting new standards for accessibility and inclusive growth.
The company recently launched its bold new campaign — ‘Happy Women’s Pay’ — an initiative that seeks to reclaim 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 Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited) is a strategic joint venture between the Generali Group — a global insurance enterprise with 193 years of operational heritage and a 74% majority stake — and the Central Bank of India, India’s first commercial bank with over 113 years of banking excellence.
Established in 2006, the company offers retail, commercial, personal and rural insurance solutions that help individuals and businesses effectively manage risk. Generali Central Insurance achieved break-even in FY 2013–14, a milestone accomplished within six years of operations.
As of FY 2024–25, the company maintains strong financial fundamentals with ₹7,938 crore in assets under management and Gross Written Premium of ₹5,547.5 crore. It is currently ranked among India’s top 10 private general insurance companies.
Generali Central Insurance has consistently been recognised for organisational excellence and workplace culture, receiving the Great Place to Work certification seven consecutive times. The company has also earned several 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.
