Gangtok, July 7 (IPR): The Sikkim Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) conducted a Felicitation Ceremony of medal winners and coaches at Hotel Himalayan Heights, Gangtok today.
The ceremony commenced with the offering of bouquets and khadas to Chief Guest Ms Yogeeta Rai, Secretary-Sports and Youth Affairs Department (SYA), Guest of Honour Mr Kuber Bhandari, President-Sikkim Olympic Association (SOA), Mr Jaslal Pradhan, Olympian, President-SABA and Vice President for the East Zone of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) and other executive members of the Association from all districts of the State.
The Opening Address was delivered by Mr Jaslal Pradhan wherein he spoke about the history of the Association. He highlighted the work of the previous Presidents and members which helped elevate the sport of boxing to a regional and national level. He thanked the Chief Minster for the establishment of Jaslal Pradhan Academy at Khamdong and spoke about aspirations for the upcoming graduates of the Academy to reach international levels such as the Olympics.
He emphasised the involvement of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department and SABA in bringing forth opportunities and visibility for the athletes.
He stated that the parents of athletes must actively be interested and involved in order to support the youth of Sikkim.
In her address, Ms Yogeeta Rai, Secretary (SYA) commended the dedication of all the boxers and coaches. She stated that SABA is one of the most active sports associations in Sikkim and should take immense pride in their achievements. She also recalled being a student and hearing about Mr Jaslal Pradhan’s feat of being the first Olympian of Sikkim in a time where there was no proper boxing ring in the State. She informed that the foundation stone for the Jaslal Pradhan Academy has been laid and the Government is actively working to start the construction of the Academy.
The celebration commenced with the cutting of a cake dedicated to the coaches and the boxers who have brought laurels to the State.
A token of appreciation, along with T-shirts were presented to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and other executive members.
Further, booklets with success stories and the achievements of the boxers, produced with the help of Dr R B Biswakarma, Additional Director SYA and General Secretary SABA, were presented to the dignitaries for their information.
SABA felicitated the following boxers and coaches during the programme:
- Mr Jayant Dagar:
* Silver Medal in the 6th Youth Men National Boxing Championships 2023 held in Gangtok
* Silver Medal in International Youth Cluster 2023 held in China
* Silver Medal in ASBC Asian Youth Boxing Championship 2024 held in Haryana
- Ms Praba Gajmer:
* Bronze Medal in the 4th Edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2023-24
* Bronze Medal in REC Eastern Talent Hunt Open Boxing Championships 2024 in Guwahati
- Mr Sayal Kami:
* Bronze Medal in 63rd School National Games 2023-24
* Bronze Medal in Sub-Junior National Boxing Championships 2023-24 at Noida
- Mr Prabin Dahal:
* Bronze Medal in Sub-Junior National Boxing Championships 2023-24 at Noida
- Mr Priyanshu Rai:
* Bronze Medal in Sub-Junior National Boxing Championships 2023-24 at Noida.
- Ms Pema Ongmu Bhutia:
* Silver Medal in the 3rd Edition of North East Games in 2023-24
- Ms Yasika Rai:
* Silver Medal in the 3rd Edition of North East Games in 2023-24
- Ms Pem Laki Bhutia :
* Bronze Medal in 3rd Edition of North East Games in 2023- 2024
- Ms Sarmila Rai:
* Bronze Medal in 3rd Edition of North East Games in 2023- 2024
- Mr Gourav Chettri:
* Bronze Medal in 3rd Edition of North East Games in 2023- 2024
- Mr Sidharantha Chettri:
* Bronze Medal in 3rd Edition of North East Games in 2023- 2024
- Mr Tenzing Thutob Namgyal:
* Bronze Medals in 3rd Edition of North East Games in 2023- 2024
- Mr Ramlal Munda:
* Bronze Medal at The Elite Men's East Zone Championships 2023 in Meghalaya
- Mr Adarsh Pradhan:
* Silver Medal at The Elite Men's East Zone Championships 2023 in Meghalaya
- Mr Krishna Kailash Rai:
* Gold Medal at The Elite Men's East Zone Championships 2023 in Meghalaya
- Mr Auv Gurung:
* Gold Medal at The Elite Men's East Zone Championships 2023 in Meghalaya
- Mr Rudra Chettri:
* Gold Medal at The Elite Men's East Zone Championships 2023 in Meghalaya
- Mr Pravin Kumar Chettri:
* Gold Medal at The Elite Men's East Zone Championships 2023 in Meghalaya
- Mr Gaurav Chettri:
* Gold Medal at The Elite Men's East Zone Championships 2023 in Meghalaya
- Mr Mahir Tamang:
* Gold Medal at The Elite Men's East Zone Championships 2023 in Meghalaya
- Ms Sandhya Gurung: Coach and Dronacharya Awardee
- Mr Anuj Pradhan: Coach, Gangtok District
- Ms Roshni Subba: Coach, Gangtok District
- Mr Mukesh Rai: Coach, Namchi District
- Mr Subhash: Coach, Namchi District
- Ms Sumitra Chettri: Coach, Khelo India Centre
- Mr Pravin Limboo: Coach, Mangan District
- Mr Sahil Subba: Coach, Mangan District
- Ms Bhavya Gurung: Coach, Gyalshing District
- Mr Suman Gurung: Coach, Soreng District
- Mr Sudan Limboo: Coach, Soreng District
- Mr Pritam Shilal: Coach, Pakyong District
Mr Kuber Bhandari, in his address, emphasised the Chief Minister’s advocacy for sports in the State. He also drew examples of sports achievements of Mr Jaslal Pradhan, Olympian, Ms Sandhya Gurung, Dronacharya Awardee and Coach and Mr Tarundeep Rai, Olympian. He stated that with the facility and equipment provided by the Association and SYA, the future of sports in the State looks very promising.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mr Hasta Bahadur Lamichaney, Executive Member, SABA.