Nine matches played on the second day of Darap Summer Cup

KUSH HANG LEEWANG

GEYZING,: The second day of the first edition of the Summer Cup futsal tournament organized by the Darap Football Association (DFA) at the government senior secondary school playground in Darap witnessed nine matches of the tournament played on Wednesday.

An eminent entrepreneur, founder of Cherry Grand, and a social activist, Sushil Tamang, was present as the chief guest along with the president of the Pelling Tourism Development Association, Keshav Pradhan, as the guest of honour. 

Sushil Tamang, while interacting with the media persons, expressed that Darap, a small hamlet in the western region of the State, has witnessed a positive transformation, be it in the tourism sector or social awakening, and in terms of development.

He attributed Darap's transformation into a model village within a short span of time to positivity amongst the residents of Darap, their desires for the change, and their positive approach to life, devoid of drug abuse and alcoholism. "No drug-related cases have been reported from Darap for a decade or more, and the suicide cases have been a rare occurrence," Tamang said.

Sushil Tamang noted that Darap's giant leap on the path of development could be an example worth emulating by other villages of Sikkim.

Sushil Tamang commended DFA for the initiative on the theme 'drugs and suicide-free society' and showed a noble vision of the association.

Shiva Pradhan expressed that in the fight for the eradication of drug addiction and suicide prevention in Sikkimese society, not only the governmental agencies but also the social organizations, people, and youth must play an equal role.

Keshav Pradhan added that sports, culture, and arts-based initiatives will engage people in positive activities and keep the youth at bay from drug abuse and mental stress. Pradhan commended the futsal initiative of DFA and expressed that the involvement of the local youth for the management of the tournament reflected their commitment towards the creation of a better society of tomorrow.

The winners of today's matches have made their entry into the next round of the tournament.

It may be mentioned here that the final of the tournament is scheduled to be played on July 6. The futsal tournament has an overwhelming participation of 30 teams from across Sikkim.