Gangtok, April 5 (IPR): The 1st State-Level Kho-Kho Championship 2026, organised by the Sikkim Kho-Kho Association, concluded today at Khelgaon, Reshithang, with a grand closing ceremony and prize distribution programme held in the presence of distinguished guests, players, officials and sports enthusiasts.
The three-day championship, which commenced on April 3, brought together enthusiastic Kho-Kho players representing various districts, schools and colleges from across the State. Throughout the event, participants displayed commendable energy, discipline, agility and sportsmanship, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for indigenous sports among the youth of Sikkim.
The closing ceremony and prize distribution programme was graced by MLA cum Advisor RDD Ms Kala Rai as the Chief Guest.
Among those present on the occasion were Chairperson, State Sports Development Board, Mr Rinzing Wangyal Chopel; Chairperson, State Youth Development Board, Mr Basant Yonzon; Chairperson, Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts, Mr Bikram Gurung; Chairperson, SIDICO, Mr Sonam Tashi Bhutia; President, Scheduled Caste Welfare Board, Mr Bikash Sunam; Patron, Sikkim Kho-Kho Association-cum-Advisor, AYUSH, Mr AK Ghatani; President, Sikkim Kho-Kho Association, Mr BK Roka (Retd. DIG); General Secretary Sikkim Kho Kho Association Ms Savitri Pradhan, Director, Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Mr R.B. Biswakarma; along with dignitaries from various sporting associations, technical officials, organisers and supporters.
The programme commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, followed by a ceremonial welcome, and a vibrant cultural presentations by the students of Rumtek Senior Secondary School, which added colour and warmth to the concluding ceremony. The event was conducted by Mr Rahul Gurung, Young Professional, KISCE, who served as the Master of Ceremony.
Delivering the welcome address, President, Sikkim Kho-Kho Association, Mr B.K. Roka (Retd. DIG), warmly welcomed the Chief Guest, dignitaries, players and guests present on the occasion. He expressed his sincere gratitude to all the distinguished guests and supporters for their encouragement and continued support towards the successful conduct of the championship and the promotion of Kho-Kho in the State.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest and MLA Ms Kala Rai congratulated the organisers for successfully conducting the 1st State-Level Kho-Kho Championship, and said that such initiatives play an important role in promoting traditional sports and encouraging young athletes across the State.
She appreciated the efforts of the organising committee led by Mr Roka, stating that the championship had created a valuable platform for children and youth to showcase their talent, discipline and competitive spirit.
Speaking on the importance of sports, she said that Kho-Kho is not merely a game, but a sport that builds agility, endurance, teamwork and presence of mind. She remarked that the enthusiasm and skill displayed by the participants throughout the championship reflected the growing sporting potential of the younger generation in Sikkim.
Recalling her younger days, she shared that Kho-Kho and other indigenous games were once played in simple village spaces and school grounds without the kind of facilities available today. She noted that the State has come a long way in terms of sports infrastructure and opportunities, and added that such developments must be fully utilised to groom future champions.
She further stressed the need to integrate sports more actively into school life, stating that regular physical activity is essential for the overall development of children. In this regard, she underscored the importance of encouraging students to participate in sports from an early age so as to build a healthy, disciplined and confident generation.
She also stated that under the leadership of the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, the State Government has been giving significant attention to sports promotion, youth development and the creation of better infrastructure, thereby opening wider avenues for aspiring sportspersons.
Concluding her address, she encouraged all participants to continue working hard with sincerity and determination, and expressed hope that many of the young players would go on to represent Sikkim and the country at higher levels of competition.
As part of the closing ceremony, the technical officials were felicitated in recognition of their dedicated service and contribution towards the smooth and successful conduct of the championship.
The prize distribution ceremony formed the highlight of the concluding programme, during which trophies, medals and certificates were presented to the winning teams and outstanding individual performers across various categories.
In the Sub-Junior Girls’ category, Soreng District emerged as the winner, while Mangan District secured the runner-up position. Ms Neha Rasaily of Soreng District was adjudged Best Defender, while Ms Uma Pradhan of Mangan District received the award for Best Attacker.
In the Sub-Junior Boys’ category, Mangan District emerged as the winner, while Namchi District finished as the runner-up. Mr Aman Bhujel of Namchi District was awarded Best Attacker, while Mr Krishna Nath of Mangan District was declared Best Defender.
In the Senior Boys’ category, Soreng District claimed the championship title, while Mangan District secured the runner-up position. Mr Sumit Limboo of Soreng District was adjudged Best Attacker, while Mr Sujal Pradhan of Mangan District was named Best Defender.
In the Senior Girls’ category, Mangan District emerged as the champion, while Namchi District secured the runner-up position. In the individual awards for the category, Ms Tejeswini Lambakani was adjudged Best Defender, while Ms Priya Chettri received the award for Best Attacker for their outstanding performances during the championship.
The formal programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Director, Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Mr RB Biswakarma, who thanked the Chief Guest, dignitaries, participating teams, technical officials, volunteers and supporters for their valuable contribution towards the successful conduct of the championship.
The championship was formally brought to a close with the declaration of closure by Chairperson, State Sports Development Board, Mr Rinzing Wangyal Chopel, marking the successful conclusion of the first State-level Kho-Kho championship in Sikkim.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK