Mangan, August 21 (IPR): The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Mangan, commenced the block-level observance of National Sports Day 2026 today. The week-long programme, with the theme ‘Khelega Bharat Jeetega Bharat’, will continue from August 21 to August 29, culminating on the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
The inaugural programme commenced with the offering of khadas and ceremonial lighting of the lamp before the portrait of Major Dhyan Chand. Additional Director, Sports and Youth Affairs, Ms Janim Lepcha, briefed the gathering on the significance of National Sports Day and the activities scheduled during the observance.
The opening day featured a Zumba session led by Yoga Instructor and Physical Education Teacher, Ms Reenamit Lepcha, followed by the CM One Mile Run for Under-15 boys and girls. An exhibition futsal match was also held between PM SHRI Mangan Senior Secondary School and Girls Senior Secondary School, with PM SHRI Mangan Senior Secondary School securing a 4–2 victory.
In the Under-15 boys’ category of the CM One Mile Run, Abhishek Chettri of North Sikkim Academy (NSA) secured first position, followed by Prajal Chettri and Asutosh Sharma of PM SHRI Mangan Senior Secondary School in second and third positions, respectively. In the girls’ category, Tshering Lepcha of Mangan Girls Senior Secondary School secured first position, followed by Yangkit Lepcha of the same school in second position and Rachana Limboo of Ringhim Secondary School in third position.
Five schools participated in the sporting activities: NSA, Mangan Girls Senior Secondary School, Little Flower School, Ringhim Secondary School and PM SHRI Mangan Senior Secondary School.
The programme was attended by DMH Dr Dawa Tshering Lepcha, ASI, Mangan Traffic Police, Mr Phurba Tharchen Lachungpa, Principal, Little Flower School Mr Bikal Gurung, Teachers, Police personnel and officials and staff of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
Certificates of participation were also distributed to all participants in recognition of their active involvement in the sporting activities and their contribution to the successful observance of National Sports Day.
The National Sports Day observance will continue with various sporting and fitness activities aimed at promoting physical fitness, discipline, sportsmanship and active participation among young people.
- Report from DIO Mangan