Soreng, August 30 (IPR): The Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Soreng District, hosted district level, National Sports Day today with a series of sporting and fitness activities under the theme “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat” at Jautar indoor badminton stadium, Soreng. The occasion commemorated the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, whose contribution to Indian hockey is remembered through National Sports Day.
The programme featured the Chief Minister’s One-Mile Run for Under-15 boys and girls and Open Men and Women, followed by an Under-17 Badminton Tournament.
Chief Guest, Political Secretary to HCM Mr Jacob Khaling addressed the gathering and thanked the organising committee for the event. He greeted everyone and recalled the significance of National Sports Day, celebrated in honour of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
He highlighted the Government’s efforts to promote and develop various sports in the region, as well as the support extended by the Chief Minister towards sports and sportspersons. He also spoke about the development of sports infrastructure and reservation opportunities for sportspersons.
Encouraging the participants, he called upon them to pursue sports with dedication and commitment and make the best use of their talents. He informed that several tournaments are lined up in the coming days, including the U-19 Badminton Championship, which will see participation from top players, and encouraged the students to take part.
He also urged coaches to train and prepare players with dedication. He informed that cash prizes would be awarded to winners based on their performance, along with rewards for players representing the State at the national level. He further mentioned advanced training opportunities for outstanding players and a cash prize for the best performing coach.
Highlighting the commendable performance of the national boxing players, he encouraged them to continue their efforts. Concluding his address by extending best wishes to the guests , organisers and all the participants.
Earlier, Mrs Mamita Gurung, Deputy Director, SYAD, Soreng, in her welcome address, briefed the gathering on the significance of the occasion and the course of the day’s programme extending warm welcome to the guests and the gathering.
The celebration featured boxing demonstration along with a Zumba demonstration. A speech competition on National Sports Day and a creative placard competition were also organised for selected students from the six BACs of Soreng District.
Winners of the competition were :
Chief Minister’s One-Mile Run for Under-15 boys and girls
1st: Anmol’s Chettri
2nd: Tek Man Kami
3rd: Jeshon Gurung
1st: Tanuja Gurung
2nd: Briseka Subba
3rd: Leechum Lepcha
Chief Minister’s One-Mile Run for Opens Girls and Boys:
1st:Dichen Sherpa
2nd:Eshika Gurung
3rd:Diya Subba
1st: Emanuel Biswakarma
2nd: Dev Singh
3rd:Samuel Kami
Badminton U17 Girls:
1st: Don Bosco School
2nd: Government Senior Secondary School Hatidhunga
Badminton U17 Boys:
1st: Government Senior Secondary School Hatidhunga
2nd: Government Senior Secondary School Soreng
The programme also witnessed the Felicitation of Teju Hang Limboo PET Govt Sr.Sec.School.Sombaria ,Dinesh Kr.Rai PEI ,Govt Sec.School Hathi Dhunga, Ms Arpana Lepcha Trainee Khelo India Centre Soreng, Minu Hangma Limboo, Trainee State, Sports Academy for Girls ,Soreng, Priyansha Tamang, Trainee Khelo India Centre, Soreng.
Also present were JD (Fisheries) Mr Lobsang Tamang, Deputy Director (Health Department) Mr Purna Rai, Assistant Professor (B.ed College,Soreng) Dr Tashi Ongmu Bhutia including other line department officials and public.