SAGAR CHHETRI, Gangtok 17 Feb:
The closing ceremony of the 33rd Sikkim State Veteran’s & Masters Badminton was held in the Badminton Hall of Paljor Stadium on Sunday. Around 250 shuttlers from across the State participated in the three-day championship organized by the Badminton Association of Sikkim [BAS] under the aegis of the Badminton Association of India.
Upper Burtuk MLA Kala Rai was present as the chief guest for the closing ceremony.
In her address, the MLA congratulated BAS for organizing tournaments and providing platforms and exposure to players, and also expressed her joy on seeing keen participation from veteran players in the tournament.
While expressing her deep concern on the pressing issues of suicides and drug addiction, Ms Rai stressed upon the important role sports and fitness among youngsters and the elderly can play in keeping people healthy and positive.
She said that the SKM government has given priority to sports and sportspersons by developing infrastructure and providing facilities and support to sportspersons. She urged the people to take full advantage of these facilities.
Earlier, BAS president C Zangpo informed that the tournament was part of festivities being held to commemorate 50 years of Sikkim’s Statehood.
He added that players shortlisted from this tournament will go on to represent Sikkim at the Veterans and Masters National Tournament to be held next month in Goa.
On the occasion, BAS also presented affiliation certificates to Badminton Association of Pakyong, Singtam Badminton Club and Bermiok-Martam Badminton Club for their recent affiliation with the association.
The winners of different categories are LB Rai in men’s 65+ singles, Dhiren Lama and LB Rai men’s 65+ doubles, Bhupal Rai in men’s 60+ singles, Dhiren Lama and LB Rai in men’s 60+ doubles, Bhanu Pradhan in men’s 55+ singles, Karma Bhutia and Anand Singh Bisht in men’s 55+ doubles, Laxman Prasad in men’s 50+ singles, IK Rai and Mohan Thapa in men’s 50+ doubles, Arjun Tamang in men’s 45+ singles, Mojesh Bhutia and Mohan Thapa in men’s 45+ doubles, Dawa Bhutia and Rosy Lepcha in mixed 45+ doubles, Arjun Tamang in men’s 40+ singles, Mojesh Bhutia and Dhanraj Subba in men’s 40+ doubles, Bhanu Pradhan and Tika Chettri in mixed 40+ doubles, Hemant Rai in men’s 35+ singles, Kiran Rai and Tshering P Sherpa in men’s 35+ doubles and Tshering P Sherpa and Basanti Rai in mixed 35+ doubles.
