Namchi, Dec 24: The 20th Elite and Youth Men’s & Women’s Sikkim State Boxing Championship 2024 officially began on December 23 at the Namchi Boxing Hall. Organized by the Namchi District Boxing Association (NDBA) in collaboration with the Sikkim Amateur Boxing Association (SABA), the championship has attracted top boxing talent from across the state.
The opening ceremony, held on December 22, was attended by key dignitaries including Raju Basnet, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, and Satish Chandra Rai, MLA for Namchi-Singhithang Constituency. Ringzing Ongyal Chopel served as the Guest of Honour. The ceremony featured an address by B. Tshering Bhutia, President of NDBA, and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, marking the official commencement of the event.
On the second day, Bhoj Raj Rai, Minister for Urban Development and Food and Civil Supplies, joined as Chief Guest, accompanied by Ganesh Rai, Chairman of the Namchi Municipal Corporation. The event also saw the presence of renowned sports personalities, including Sandhiya Gurung, Dronacharya Awardee, and Jashlall Pradhan, Arjuna Awardee.
In his address, Bhoj Raj Rai commended the organizing team for successfully conducting the event and praised the state government’s initiatives to involve youth in sports. He also emphasized the importance of sports for promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraged the use of eco-friendly products at such events to foster sustainability and support local businesses.
The championship continues to see strong participation, underscoring the growing importance of sports in Sikkim’s community development.
