CM Tamang attends 23rd Chief Minister’s Compound Archery Gold Cup final in Pakyong

The final match of the 23rd Chief Minister’s Compound Archery Gold Cup, held at the Karthok Archery Field in Pakyong, was a grand event graced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay and Madam Krishna Rai. The event, organized by the Pakyong District Archery Association in collaboration with the District Administration Centre Pakyong, saw the participation of Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Advisors, Zilla Adhakshya, Upadhakshya, and several other dignitaries.

The day began with a traditional Sutuk Offering, invoking prayers to deities as a mark of respect and gratitude. This ceremonial start was followed by the address of the Chief Minister, who commended the hard work and dedication of the organizing committee. He highlighted the tournament’s success, emphasizing that archery, as a traditional sport, must be preserved and nurtured across all age groups. He also shared plans for the establishment of a district archery academy, which aims to further the growth of the sport within the community.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister encouraged the attendees to cultivate a deeper connection with nature, urging them to revitalize barren lands for agricultural purposes, which could help increase productivity. He also urged the community to work together towards achieving the vision of "Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samarth Sikkim" through collective efforts.

In his speech, Tamang touched upon the ongoing initiatives to address traffic congestion in the state and mentioned the "One Family, One Entrepreneur" initiative, which encourages families to engage in entrepreneurial activities. Additionally, he stressed the importance of developing the tourism sector, which can create numerous employment opportunities for local communities.

During the event, the Chief Minister toured the archery equipment stall, where indigenous and traditional bows and arrows were displayed, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. The gathering also participated in a fun-filled kite-flying session, where beautifully designed kites were released into the sky, reviving a traditional pastime.

As part of his visit, the Chief Minister distributed financial aid to several beneficiaries through the Chief Minister Discretionary Grant, aimed at promoting economic growth, entrepreneurship, and educational opportunities for those in need.

In her address, MLA Pamin Lepcha, who is also the Advisor and President of the Organizing Committee, expressed her gratitude towards the Chief Minister for his support in encouraging youth participation in sports. She acknowledged the efforts of various departments and dignitaries involved in organizing the event and the establishment of the archery academy.

She also highlighted the importance of the tournament to Pakyong saying that archery is deeply embedded in the culture and history of Sikkim. Lepcha shared that the exhibition match featuring women compound archers from Bhutan was a proud moment for the state, and she expressed hope that such examples would inspire more women to take part in the sport. She also praised Ms. Rashmi Tamang, the first female archer to participate in the traditional format and a national-level participant, for being a source of inspiration.

As part of the event, several key initiatives were introduced, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) registration and a health camp organized by the Health and Family Welfare Department, Pakyong District.