Gangtok, Feb 17: The 33rd Sikkim State Veterans & Masters Badminton Championship concluded successfully at Paljor Indoor Stadium in Gangtok on Sunday. The tournament was organized by the Badminton Association of Sikkim (BAS).

The closing ceremony was attended by Kala Rai, MLA and Advisor to the Rural Development Department, who graced the event as the Chief Guest. Other notable dignitaries present included Tshering Palden Bhutia, Deputy Mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Mahendra Chettri, SDM Gangtok, and Tseten Dorjee, Principal Director of the Buildings and Housing Department.

In her speech, Kala Rai commended BAS for hosting the tournament and encouraged increased participation in sports. She urged young athletes to stay committed, refine their skills, and aim for representation at national and international levels. She stressed that discipline, hard work, and sportsmanship are vital for both personal growth and character development.

Kala Rai also assured that the state government remains committed to supporting sports and athletes, mentioning efforts to enhance sports facilities and provide more opportunities for young talent. She further addressed the rising issues of drug addiction and suicide in the state, highlighting how sports can offer a positive alternative for youth, keeping them focused and away from harmful behaviors.

C Zangpo, President of BAS, emphasized that the championship’s goal was to promote badminton, nurture emerging talent, and provide a platform for skill development. He reaffirmed the association’s dedication to improving coaching, training, and sports infrastructure.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Sukanta Das, General Secretary and Organizing Secretary of BAS. Following the competitions, a prize distribution ceremony was held, where winners were presented with medals and certificates.

The winners of the 33rd Sikkim State Veterans & Masters Badminton Championship included:

Men’s 65+ (Singles): LB Rai

Men’s 65+ (Doubles): Dhiren Lama and LB Rai

Men’s 60+ (Singles): Bhupal Rai

Men’s 60+ (Doubles): Dhiren Lama and LB Rai

Men’s 55+ (Singles): Bhanu Pradhan

Men’s 55+ (Doubles): Karma Bhutia and Anand Singh Bisht

Men’s 50+ (Singles): Laxman Prasad

Men’s 50+ (Doubles): IK Rai and Mohan Thapa

Men’s 45+ (Singles): Arjun Tamang

Men’s 45+ (Doubles): Mojesh Bhutia and Mohan Thapa

Mixed 35+ (Doubles): Dawa Bhutia and Rosy Lepcha

Men’s 40+ (Singles): Arjun Tamang

Men’s 40+ (Doubles): Mojesh Bhutia and Dhanraj Subba

Mixed 40+ (Doubles): Bhanu Pradhan and Tika Chettri

Men’s 35+ (Singles): Hemant Rai

Men’s 35+ (Doubles): Kiran Rai and Tshering P. Sherpa

Mixed 35+ (Doubles): Tshering P. Sherpa and Basanti Rai

The championship concluded with a vote of thanks from Sukanta Das, General Secretary of BAS, and the official closure was declared by Kala Rai, marking the successful completion of the event.