8th State Open Strength Lifting and Incline Bench Press Championship Concludes Successfully in Mangan
Mangan, May 24 (IPR): The two-day 8th State Open Strength Lifting (SL) and Incline Bench Press (IBP) Championship, organised at Mangan Nagar Panchayat, concluded successfully today with enthusiastic participation from athletes across the State under various categories including Sub-Junior, Junior, Senior, Master, Men and Women divisions.
The championship witnessed the presence of several distinguished dignitaries over the two days. On the inaugural day, the event was graced by Chairman, SIMFFD, Mr Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia as the Chief Guest, while District Collector Mangan, Mr Anant Jain, SP Mangan, Mr L.B. Chettri, and Principal Chief Engineer, Mr S.B. Subba attended as Guests of Honour.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp followed by the National Anthem. A welcome address was delivered by the Working President of the Sikkim Strength Lifting Association (SSLA), Mr Allen Targain. Subsequently, President of SSLA and IAS officer, Secretary to the Government of Sikkim, Mr Anil Raj Rai, presented a detailed report highlighting the activities of SSLA and the significance of the championship in promoting strength sports across the State.
Several distinguished personalities were felicitated during the inaugural session, with citations read by Additional Secretary, Sports Department, Ms Janim Lepcha. Those honoured included Advisor to NDFA Ms Chumkee Saring, Mr Nursesus Lepcha, Mr Jiwan Giri (Mr Nepal), Mr Nirmal Mangar, and Mr Sagar Chettri for their notable contributions.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Mr Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia encouraged youth to actively engage in sports and physical activities, emphasising that sports not only develops physical strength but also cultivates discipline, confidence and determination. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and appreciated the organisers for promoting strength sports in the State. He further motivated athletes to strive for excellence and represent Sikkim at national and international levels.
The technical briefing for the championship was conducted by the “Iron Man of Sikkim”, Mr Pema Dorjee Bhutia. Adding vibrancy to the occasion, students from various schools in Mangan district presented cultural performances and were later felicitated with tokens of appreciation.
Former Mr Dharma Shree of Nepal, Mr Jiwan Giri, was honoured and conferred the title of “Iron Man of Nepal” by SSLA in recognition of his exceptional achievements and contributions to strength sports. The event also featured free blood testing facilities, supported by the Northern Riders Motorcycle Club.
On the concluding day, the championship was graced by Area MLA, Mangan and Minister for Social Welfare Mr Samdup Lepcha, as the Chief Guest, accompanied by District Collector Mr Anant Jain, SP Mr L.B. Chettri, President of SSLA and Secretary, RDD, Government of Sikkim, Mr Anil Raj Rai, Additional Secretary, Sports Department Ms Janim Lepcha, OSD to Area MLA Mangan Mr Tshering Wangyal Bhutia, OSD to Dzongu MLA Mr Roshan Limboo, MEO Mr Karzong Bhutia, Councillor Mr Tshering Pintso Saring, Working President of SSLA Mr Allen Targain, members of SSLA and members of the Northern Riders Motorcycle Club.
In his address, Minister Mr Samdup Lepcha appreciated the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by all participants and highlighted the importance of maintaining fitness and a healthy lifestyle. He specially acknowledged Mr Robin Gurung, a differently-abled athlete, for his inspiring weightlifting demonstration, commending his determination and perseverance which served as motivation for aspiring athletes. The Minister further extended his best wishes to all the participants for their future sporting journeys and encouraged continued dedication towards excellence.
The programme also included the felicitation of State and National-level referees for their contributions to the sport and also facilitated Members of Northern Riders Motorcycle club for their support. Further, certificates, medals and trophies were distributed to winners and participants across all competition categories.
The two-day championship concluded successfully, reaffirming the growing popularity of strength sports in Sikkim and underscoring the commitment of organisers towards encouraging youth participation, promoting physical fitness and nurturing sporting talent in the State.
- Report from DIO Mangan