1st Governor’s Archery Gold Cup concludes with Team Green Tara emerging champions

GANGTOK, (IPR): The 1st Governor’s Archery Gold Cup, organised by Sikkim Archery Association, culminated today at Tatangchen Archery Field in the presence of Governor Om Prakash Mathur as the chief gust and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang as the guest of honour.

Sikkim Archery Association president and minister Sonam Lama, in his welcome address, highlighted that Sikkim was the first state in the country to organise the Governor’s Archery Gold Cup. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, sports in the State have been making significant strides.

He further highlighted that the tournament had attracted attention beyond the state, with the event being telecast live and watched by audiences across the country and internationally. He described this as a significant achievement for Sikkim and its sporting community.

Lama also stated that the tournament provides an important platform to identify and nurture emerging talent. He said the government is committed to developing sporting talent in Sikkim and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat. He added that sustained efforts are being made to provide opportunities to aspiring sportspersons and prepare them to represent the state and the country at the highest levels.

He also acknowledged the efforts being made to promote other sporting disciplines, including cricket and football, through initiatives and tournaments such as the Sikkim Premier League.

The tournament commenced on August 22, with the following 19 teams participating: TAC GTK Blue, NaveyShotak, Sheraboo, Sochyagang GT, Gyalshing Red, KRG Ralong 1, YangselNyngma, MAC Blue, Sichey Mavericks, Datsha Era AC, Namchi TAC, Gyalshing Blue, KRG Ralong 2, D.D. Pow, TAC GTK Red, Tatangchen, MAC Red, Dhokbu, and Green Tara.

The final was played between Green Tara and Dhokbu, with Green Tara emerging victorious after a hard-fought contest. Green Tara scored 53 out of 66 Karey, while runners-up Dhokbu scored 46 out of 63 Karey at the end of Round 20.

Tshering Gyurmee of Team Green Tara was adjudged Man of the Match, while Chencho Rinzing of Sochyagang GT was named Man of the Tournament.

The event also witnessed the felicitation of senior archer Pezo Tshering Bhutia and the posthumous felicitation of senior archer Lt. Ongchuk Bhutia. Mema Bhutia was also felicitated for his contribution towards safeguarding Sikkimese traditions. Government contractors-cum-social workers Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal and Roshan Agarwal were also felicitated.

The event was attended by Cabinet ministers, MLAs, mayor and deputy mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation, secretaries, heads of various departments, members of Sikkim Archery Association, participating teams, and other stakeholders.