News & Announcement
State Level School Games 2026 Commence at Reshithang
Gangtok, October 29 (IPR): The State-Level School Games 2026 commenced today at Reshithang Sports Complex, Gangtok, with 722 athletes representing their respective districts participating in the state-level competitions.
The event, organised by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim, will continue until October 30, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their sporting abilities, compete at the state level and foster a spirit of discipline, teamwork and healthy competition.
Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Education, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Raju Basnet, attended the inaugural programme as the Chief Guest, while Advisor, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Mr Bikram Pradhan, was present as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mr Raju Basnet emphasised the importance of introducing children to sports at a young age, noting that the formative years played a crucial role in developing the skills required to compete at state, national and international levels. He encouraged the young athletes to remain committed to their chosen disciplines and pursue their goals with dedication and perseverance.
He stressed that discipline, physical fitness, proper nutrition, quality coaching and sustained motivation were essential for sporting success. He also encouraged students to make effective use of the sports infrastructure available across the state and acknowledged the support extended by the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang and various sports associations in promoting sports and nurturing young talent.
Referring to India's aspirations in international sports, Mr Raju Basnet urged the participants to work towards higher levels of achievement and make the most of the opportunities available to them. He noted that determination and consistent effort could help young athletes progress from grassroots competitions to national and international platforms.
He also congratulated the all-girls pipe band contingent of Chief Minister's Model School, Assam Lingzey, on securing second place in a recent competition. Appreciating the school's achievement within a short period, he extended his best wishes to the students and faculty for continued success.
Concluding his address, Mr Raju Basnet congratulated the athletes on reaching the state-level championships, noting that their participation reflected their hard work, commitment and determination. He encouraged them to continue striving for excellence and wished them success in their future sporting endeavours.
Earlier, Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Ms Yangchen D Tamang, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the role of the School Games in promoting sports at the school level. She said the initiative provided students with opportunities to discover their potential, build confidence and develop discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Presenting the School Games 2026 report, the Secretary stated that block-level competitions had been conducted across all blocks from September 6 to 13, with 3,974 students from more than 270 schools participating. The district-level competitions were held from September 21 to 26, culminating in the state-level championships at Reshithang Sports Complex, where 722 athletes are participating.
She further said that the programme had expanded this year, with selected athletes set to receive opportunities to represent Sikkim at the National School Games organised under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India. She expressed gratitude to the State Government for providing the necessary budgetary support to facilitate participation in national-level competitions.
The inaugural programme featured an all-girls pipe band display by Chief Minister's Model School, Assam Lingzey, followed by the oath-taking ceremony and the lighting of the School Games torch.
The Chief Guest formally declared the Games open, marking the commencement of the first day's competitions.
The Games feature seven sporting disciplines, namely athletics, kho kho, kabaddi, boxing, karate, archery and taekwondo. The competitions provide young athletes with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, gain valuable competitive experience and develop a spirit of teamwork and fair play.
Among those present were Zilla Adhakshya, Gangtok District, Mr Balaram Adhikari, Chairperson, State Sports Development Board, Mr Rinzing Wangyal Chopel Bhutia, Chairperson, State Youth Development Board, Mr Basant Yonzon, Chairperson, Labour Welfare Board, Mr Prem Raj Gurung, Chief Education Officer, Gangtok, Director, Chief Minister's Model School, Assamlinzey, Colonel Ujjwal Khatiwada, OSD, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Mr Govind Poudyal, officers and officials of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, presidents of Sikkim Olympic Association and Sikkim Amateur Boxing Association, along with other dignitaries, teachers and students.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Director, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Mr Rajiv Roka.
The event, organised by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim, will continue until October 30, providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their sporting abilities, compete at the state level and foster a spirit of discipline, teamwork and healthy competition.
Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Education, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Raju Basnet, attended the inaugural programme as the Chief Guest, while Advisor, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Mr Bikram Pradhan, was present as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mr Raju Basnet emphasised the importance of introducing children to sports at a young age, noting that the formative years played a crucial role in developing the skills required to compete at state, national and international levels. He encouraged the young athletes to remain committed to their chosen disciplines and pursue their goals with dedication and perseverance.
He stressed that discipline, physical fitness, proper nutrition, quality coaching and sustained motivation were essential for sporting success. He also encouraged students to make effective use of the sports infrastructure available across the state and acknowledged the support extended by the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang and various sports associations in promoting sports and nurturing young talent.
Referring to India's aspirations in international sports, Mr Raju Basnet urged the participants to work towards higher levels of achievement and make the most of the opportunities available to them. He noted that determination and consistent effort could help young athletes progress from grassroots competitions to national and international platforms.
He also congratulated the all-girls pipe band contingent of Chief Minister's Model School, Assam Lingzey, on securing second place in a recent competition. Appreciating the school's achievement within a short period, he extended his best wishes to the students and faculty for continued success.
Concluding his address, Mr Raju Basnet congratulated the athletes on reaching the state-level championships, noting that their participation reflected their hard work, commitment and determination. He encouraged them to continue striving for excellence and wished them success in their future sporting endeavours.
Earlier, Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Ms Yangchen D Tamang, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the role of the School Games in promoting sports at the school level. She said the initiative provided students with opportunities to discover their potential, build confidence and develop discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Presenting the School Games 2026 report, the Secretary stated that block-level competitions had been conducted across all blocks from September 6 to 13, with 3,974 students from more than 270 schools participating. The district-level competitions were held from September 21 to 26, culminating in the state-level championships at Reshithang Sports Complex, where 722 athletes are participating.
She further said that the programme had expanded this year, with selected athletes set to receive opportunities to represent Sikkim at the National School Games organised under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India. She expressed gratitude to the State Government for providing the necessary budgetary support to facilitate participation in national-level competitions.
The inaugural programme featured an all-girls pipe band display by Chief Minister's Model School, Assam Lingzey, followed by the oath-taking ceremony and the lighting of the School Games torch.
The Chief Guest formally declared the Games open, marking the commencement of the first day's competitions.
The Games feature seven sporting disciplines, namely athletics, kho kho, kabaddi, boxing, karate, archery and taekwondo. The competitions provide young athletes with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, gain valuable competitive experience and develop a spirit of teamwork and fair play.
Among those present were Zilla Adhakshya, Gangtok District, Mr Balaram Adhikari, Chairperson, State Sports Development Board, Mr Rinzing Wangyal Chopel Bhutia, Chairperson, State Youth Development Board, Mr Basant Yonzon, Chairperson, Labour Welfare Board, Mr Prem Raj Gurung, Chief Education Officer, Gangtok, Director, Chief Minister's Model School, Assamlinzey, Colonel Ujjwal Khatiwada, OSD, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Mr Govind Poudyal, officers and officials of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, presidents of Sikkim Olympic Association and Sikkim Amateur Boxing Association, along with other dignitaries, teachers and students.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Director, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Mr Rajiv Roka.
