Young shuttlers shine as Lt. Kuldip Gurung Badminton Tournament concludes with record participation
Schools and parents played a vital role in encouraging participation. Many educational institutions across the state actively supported their students, recognizing the importance of sports alongside academics.
LOCAL
The Lt. Kuldip Gurung Sikkim State Sub-Junior and Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament came to a successful close yesterday, leaving behind a trail of inspiration and hope for the future of badminton in the state. The tournament, which witnessed a remarkable doubling of participants this year, served as a powerful testament to the growing passion for the sport among Sikkim’s youth.
Organised by the Badminton Association of Sikkim (BAS) in collaboration with the Young Shuttlers of Sikkim (YSS), an affiliated club from Gangtok, the event drew young talents from every district. The tournament not only saw enthusiastic participation from budding athletes but also showcased the increasing involvement of schools, parents, and communities in nurturing sports at the grassroots level.
Jacob Khaling, President of BAS, expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the event. “This year’s tournament marked a significant milestone, not just in terms of numbers, but in the spirit and discipline that every player brought to the court,” he said. “I sincerely thank our co-hosts, the Young Shuttlers of Sikkim, for their untiring efforts and excellent teamwork. Their commitment ensured that the tournament ran smoothly from start to finish.”
The event was made possible through the collective efforts of many—technical officials, referees, coaches, medical teams, catering staff, volunteers, and support staff—who worked behind the scenes to manage matches, ensure player safety, and maintain a welcoming environment for all attendees. Their dedication was widely appreciated by players and spectators alike.
Schools and parents played a vital role in encouraging participation. Many educational institutions across the state actively supported their students, recognizing the importance of sports alongside academics. This, according to BAS officials, is helping build a vibrant sporting culture in Sikkim—one where young athletes can thrive with discipline, confidence, and opportunity.
The tournament also serves a greater purpose beyond competition. As explained by Khaling, performances in such ranking events help BAS identify the most promising players, who are then given the chance to represent Sikkim at the Northeast Zone and National Championships. This structured path helps nurture talent and provides a platform for players to compete at higher levels.
“With every tournament, we come closer to realising our vision of making Sikkim a strong presence in national badminton. This can only be achieved through unity, dedication, and consistent encouragement from every corner of society,” Khaling added.