State Basketball League 2025 commences at Paljor Stadium

JASWANT GAUTAM

GANGTOK, : The much anticipated State Basketball League 2025 officially commenced on Sunday in a vibrant opening ceremony attended by several notable dignitaries and sports enthusiasts at Paljor Stadium. The three-month-long tournament was inaugurated in the presence of Aditya Golay, MLA of Soreng-Chakung constituency, who graced the event as the chief guest.

Present at the inaugural ceremony was Gnathang-Machong MLA Pamin Lepcha, SIMFED chairman Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia, SKM students wing president Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha, Tourism secretary Hondala Gyaltsen, and other guests.

Organised by the Basketball Association of Sikkim (BAS), this year’s league features 16 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams. The opening ceremony included a women’s exhibition match between teams Veterans and Young Stars.

BAS general secretary Jigmela Wazilingpa formally welcomed the dignitaries, followed by the presentation of mementoes by BAS president Vishu Lama.

In his address, MLA Aditya Golay commended the organisers for their efficient coordination of the large-scale event and for their ongoing efforts to foster a culture of health and athleticism. He extended his best wishes to all participating teams and assured continued support to the organisation throughout the length of the tournament and sports as a whole in the region, thus, providing a source of motivation and support to the youth to take their talents to the highest levels.

SIMFED chairman Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia reflected on his own experiences as a school-level basketball player, expressing heartfelt gratitude for being named chief patron of the event. He emphasized his commitment to uplifting young athletes and supporting sports development, in alignment with the vision of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay. “Together, we must work to elevate basketball in Sikkim to the highest possible level,” he stated.

Gnathang-Machong MLA Pamin Lepcha, who made a brief return to the court for the exhibition match after 22 years, shared her joy at participating and urged all teams to embody fairness and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. She encouraged players to "play fair, play safe, and play with true spirit."

Meanwhile, Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting sports and empowering youth across the State. “We are committed to guiding young people toward positive and productive futures,” he affirmed, extending his best wishes to all competitors.

The results of the opening day are as follows:

Ravens 85 – 66 Vikings

Ravens Women 39 – 53 Girls of Gangyap

GTK Ballers 46 – 43 Yetis

Pandas 41 – 26 Mambas