Sikkim team heads to Dehradhun for ice hocking training

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK, : A team of five selected ice-hockey participants (three boys and two girls), along with a team coordinator from Sikkim departed for a month-long ice hockey training camp at Dehradun, Uttarakhandon Friday.

The training programme is being conducted under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) and aims to provide young athletes from Sikkim with specialized coaching, technical skills, and exposure in the rapidly growing winter sport of Ice Hockey, informed the State Sports & Youth Affairs department.

This initiative marks a significant milestone for Sikkim, as it is the first time the State is officially participating in an Ice Hockey training programme of this scale. After completing the training, the participants are expected to return and share their knowledge and skills with local youth, contributing to the growth and promotion of ice hockey and other winter sports in the State.

Ice hockey is an internationally recognized winter sport featured in the Winter Olympic Games, Asian Winter Championships, and various youth-level competitions. In India, the sport is also being promoted under the Khelo India Programme to encourage the development of winter sports across the country.

“On behalf of the Sports & Youth Affairs department and the District Administration, Gangtok, we wish our young athletes a safe journey, successful training, and a bright future in ice hockey. May they return with valuable experience, enhanced skills, and the inspiration to develop winter sports in Sikkim and represent the State and nation at higher levels,” expressed team coordinator KunzangGyatsoBhutia, who is also an Everester, from the Adventure Cell of the Sports & Youth Affairs department, Government of Sikkim.

The team received best wishes and encouragement from the Sports & Youth Affairs department and the District Administration, Gangtok, prior to their departure.

The team expressed gratitude to RinzingWangyalChopel, chairperson, State Sports Development Board, Sikkim;Yangchen D. Tamang, SCS, secretary, Sports & Youth Affairs department, Government of Sikkim; TusharGajananNikhare, former District Collector, Gangtok; and AgawaneRohan Ramesh, District Collector, Gangtok, for their support.

They also extended appreciation to the District Administration, Gangtok, for providing financial assistance for the training programme under the VVP. The continued support, encouragement, and guidance from the authorities have made this opportunity possible for the young athletes.

The Sports & Youth Affairs department and the District Administration, Gangtok, have wished the team a successful training camp and expressed confidence that their experience will contribute to promoting ice hockey among the youth of Sikkim.