Monday, Apr 21, 2025 10:15 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Apr 20, 2025 17:14 [IST]
GANGTOK, (IPR): The inaugural Sikkim Forest Sports Meet 2025, themed ‘Sports
for Camaraderie,’ successfully concluded Sunday at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok.
This event celebrated fitness, unity and sustainability among the employees of
the Forest and Environment department.
The
concluding day had Agriculture minister Puran Gurung, and Upper Syari MLA
Tenzing Norbu Lamtha and Tumin Lingee MLA Samdup Tshering Bhutia as the guests
of honour.
Organised
in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's Statehood, the sports meet
attracted participants from all six districts. Over 700 employees competed in
more than 25 events held over three days at Khelgaon and Paljor Stadium.
The
initiative was executed in collaboration with the State Sports department,
Badminton Association of Sikkim, Gangtok District Athletics Association and
other organisations, with Forest minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha leading the
initiative.
Environmental
sustainability was a core consideration throughout the meet, demonstrated by
various measures including a prohibition on single-use plastics, pooled bus
transport to mitigate congestion and emissions, establishment of a Green Audit
Team to assess and document the event’s environmental impact, issuance of
eco-friendly e-invitations to dignitaries, and execution of pre- and post-event
clean-up drives to restore and preserve the venue.
The
event concluded with a closing ceremony at Paljor Stadium, attended by senior
officials, dignitaries and staff, during which prizes were distributed for
various events held across three days.
The
Forest Headquarters Team Tigers was declared the overall champions.
Silvanus
Sherpa was adjudged the best male athlete, while Phursongmit Lepcha was the
best female athlete.
Additionally,
Anup Jyoti Baniya was awarded the title of best athlete in the veteran men’s
category, and Dr Merab Basnet was named the best athlete in the veteran women’s
category.
The
selected athletes will be nominated to participate in the upcoming edition of
the All India Forest Meet.
