Hosts Sikkim prepares for 49th Junior National Badminton Championship

GANGTOK,: Chief Secretary R. Telang chaired a coordination meeting at Tashiling Secretariat today to review preparations for hosting the 49th Junior National Badminton Championship, scheduled to be held in Sikkim from November 14 to 21.

The eight-day national-level sporting event is expected to witness participation of over 500 players and over 50 technical officials representing 32 States and Union Territories. Recognising the significance of the championship, the Government of Sikkim has notified the event as a State event, informs a press release.

The meeting was attended by Badminton Association of Sikkim president Jacob Khaling and senior vice president Tshering Palden, Sports & Youth Affairs secretary, heads of departments, senior officers from the concerned line departments and representatives of the badminton association.

During the meeting, the BAS president presented an overview of the preparations undertaken so far and highlighted the remaining requirements for the successful conduct of the championship. Discussions focused on the support required from various line departments during the final phase of preparations, with emphasis on interdepartmental coordination, timely completion of pending arrangements and effective logistical support.

The Chief Secretary emphasised the importance of close coordination among all concerned departments and the organising association to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the championship. The participating departments were apprised of their respective roles and responsibilities, with a view to addressing the requirements in a timely and coordinated manner.

With preparations entering their final phase, the meeting underscored the collective commitment of the government and the organising association to hosting the national championship successfully and providing a conducive environment for the participating young athletes and technical officials.

The hosting of the championship is expected to provide a significant platform for promoting badminton among young people in Sikkim, while showcasing the State's sporting potential and organisational capabilities at the national level, the release adds.