Soreng, 16 July (IPR):
The second day of the First Inter-School Badminton Tournament 2025 unfolded with great enthusiasm at Jautar Indoor Stadium, Soreng. Following a vibrant opening, the tournament progressed through quarterfinals and semifinals, culminating in a series of intense final matches.
The President of the Badminton Association of Sikkim (BAS) and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr Jacob Khaling, attended as Chief Guest, accompanied by DC-cum-Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Mr Dhiraj Subedi.
In his address, Mr Jacob Khaling expressed appreciation to the Soreng Badminton Association for successfully organising the tournament on behalf of BAS and the Chief Patron. He noted that badminton is the second most popular sport in Sikkim after football and emphasised the event’s aim to discover talent from every corner of the district.
He announced that, under the guidance of the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Tamang who is also the Chief Patron of BAS that the Association will work towards establishing a Badminton Academy by 2026, with top players from these tournaments being considered for enrolment. He added that winners of the tournament will proceed to the State Championship in Gangtok on 11–12 August, with hopes of identifying candidates capable of competing at the national level.
To encourage badminton in schools, Mr Jacob Khaling shared plans for collaboration with the Education Department, supported by the Education Minister where the Physical Education (PE) Teachers will undergo training in badminton, and successful coaches will be appointed to train academy players. Winter coaching camps will be conducted for promising students, from which top performers will be selected for the academy’s inaugural batch.
He urged school teachers to assist in identifying and encouraging talented students, mentioning that new categories such as Under-13, Under-15, and possibly Under-19 will be introduced. He concluded by thanking all involved and commending Coach Mr Nim Tenzing for his contribution.
Tournament Results are as follows:
Girls Doubles (Under-9)
- First Place: Anamika Chettri and Mohini Subba
- Second Place: Atishna Pradhan and Dipeka Subba
Girls Singles (Under-9)
- First Place: Choying Tsepel Tamang
- Second Place: Sandiya Gurung
Boys Doubles (Under-9)
- First Place: Ekla Hang Subba and Laanam Subba
- Second Place: Rohit Biswakarma and Bishal Pradhan
Boys Singles (Under-9)
- First Place: Laanam Subba
- Second Place: Soham Subba
Team Events
Girls Team
- First Place: Don Bosco School, Malbasey
- Second Place: Mangalbaria Senior Secondary School
Boys Team
- First Place: Don Bosco School, Malbasey
- Second Place: Hatidunga Senior Secondary School
Overall Champion: Don Bosco School, Malbasey
The event was attended by DC-cum-Chairperson of the Organising Committee Mr Dhiraj Subedi, BAS Joint Treasurer Mr Sonam Bhutia, Secretary of the Badminton Association Sribadam Mr B R Gurung, Sribadam Association Representative Mr PT Bhutia, Olympic Association Treasurer Mr Navraj Sharma, CLC President (Soreng-Chakung) Mr Bhanu Subba, representatives from other badminton associations, members of Soreng BAS, and officials from line departments.
Trophies and certificates were distributed by Mr Dhiraj Subedi. Tokens of appreciation were also presented to dignitaries, technical teams, catering services, and other contributing representatives.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Ganesh Chettri, Soreng Badminton Association Representative, following which Mr Dhiraj Subedi officially declared the tournament closed.