33rd Sikkim State Veterans & Masters Badminton Championship concludes in Gangtok

The 33rd edition of the Sikkim State Veterans & Masters Badminton Championship concluded successfully at the Paljor Indoor Stadium today. Organized by the Badminton Association of Sikkim (BAS), the tournament saw a lively display of skill and sportsmanship across various age categories.

The Chief Guest for the event, Ms Kala Rai, who serves as the MLA and Advisor of the Rural Development Department, praised the efforts of the Badminton Association of Sikkim for hosting the championship. In her speech, she urged more youth to embrace sports and stay dedicated to their training to represent Sikkim at national and international levels.

Highlighting the crucial role of discipline and hard work in sports, Ms Rai emphasized that these values are vital not only for success in games but also for personal growth and character building. She assured the audience that the State Government is committed to improving sports infrastructure and creating better opportunities for athletes, especially the youth, to excel.

In addition, Ms Rai addressed pressing issues such as the rising rates of drug addiction and suicide in the state. She stressed the importance of sports in providing young people with healthy outlets, which can help keep them focused and away from destructive habits. She called for collective efforts to raise awareness and foster a supportive environment for the younger generation.

Mr C Zangpo, President of BAS, also delivered an encouraging message during the event. He spoke about the championship’s goal of promoting badminton and offering a platform for athletes to develop their skills. Mr Zangpo reaffirmed the BAS's commitment to enhancing coaching and training opportunities to help athletes achieve higher levels of performance.

The event included a prize distribution ceremony where winners were awarded medals and certificates for their outstanding performances. The champions of various categories included:

• Men’s 65+ (Singles): Mr LB Rai

• Men’s 65+ (Doubles): Mr Dhiren Lama and Mr LB Rai

• Men’s 60+ (Singles): Mr Bhupal Rai

• Men’s 60+ (Doubles): Mr Dhiren Lama and Mr LB Rai

• Men’s 55+ (Singles): Mr Bhanu Pradhan

• Men’s 55+ (Doubles): Mr Karma Bhutia and Mr Anand Singh Bisht

• Men’s 50+ (Singles): Mr Laxman Prasad

• Men’s 50+ (Doubles): Mr IK Rai and Mr Mohan Thapa

• Men’s 45+ (Singles): Mr Arjun Tamang

• Men’s 45+ (Doubles): Mr Mojesh Bhutia and Mr Mohan Thapa

• Mixed 35+ (Doubles): Mr Dawa Bhutia and Ms Rosy Lepcha

• Men’s 40+ (Singles): Mr Arjun Tamang

• Men’s 40+ (Doubles): Mr Mojesh Bhutia and Mr Dhanraj Subba

• Mixed 40+ (Doubles): Mr Bhanu Pradhan and Ms Tika Chettri

• Men’s 35+ (Singles): Mr Hemant Rai

• Men’s 35+ (Doubles): Mr Kiran Rai and Mr Tshering P. Sherpa

• Mixed 35+ (Doubles): Mr Tshering P. Sherpa and Ms Basanti Rai

The closing ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Mr Jaslal Pradhan, Arjuna Awardee and International Boxer, Mr C Zangpo, President of BAS, and Mr Kuber Bhandari, President of the Sikkim Olympic Association, along with coaches, participants, and sports enthusiasts.