Monday, Oct 28, 2024 21:45 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Oct 27, 2024 16:13 [IST]
leadership of Chief Minister PS Tamang (Golay), who has championed a transformative vision to elevate the state into a sporting powerhouse. His approach goes beyond building infrastructure; it encompasses nurturing young talent, enhancing training facilities, and creating pathways for Sikkimese athletes to shine on national and international stages.
Under CM Tamang’s leadership, the Bhaichung Bhutia Stadium in Namchi, which had been delayed for years, was completed in record time and now boasts a FIFA-approved standard artificial turf. With additional funds allocated to meet international quality standards, this stadium serves as a symbol of Sikkim’s dedication to excellence in sports. The facelift of the long-pending Geyzing Ground reflect the state’s commitment to providing its athletes with premier facilities. The newly renovated Palzor Stadium has become a hub for Sikkim’s sporting renaissance, offering budding players an inspiring place to train and compete. Additionally, even school grounds are getting artificial turf - truly Golay Chha Ta Sambhav Chha (in Golay Sarkar, even the impossible is possible)!
CM Tamang's ambitions for Sikkim Sports extend beyond football, with initiatives in multiple sports. To nurture talent in archery, he has announced the establishment of the Tarundeep Rai Archery Academy at Kichidumara, where future Olympians will be trained in honor of the celebrated archer from Sikkim, Tarundeep Rai. The academy is part of CM Tamang’s broader vision to “Search for More Tarundeeps” and aims to sharpen Sikkim’s archery talent to make a mark on international platforms. Similarly, the planned Jaslal Pradhan Boxing Academy will train the next generation of boxers from Sikkim, strengthening the state’s presence in yet another sport.
Cricket, a sport growing rapidly in popularity across Sikkim, is also receiving significant attention. The Mining Ground has been upgraded to BCCI standards and is hosting Ranji Trophy matches. There are plans to provide a swimming pool, gym, and other amenities to support comprehensive athletic training. Plans for additional cricket stadiums at Majitar, Kitam, and Yangang underscore CM Tamang’s commitment to developing cricket infrastructure that meets national standards and creates pathways for young players in Sikkim.
In addition to these state-of-the-art facilities, the government has enhanced support for local athletes. Football teams are now provided with airfare support, to ensure athletes travel in comfort and remain motivated. Cash prizes for Olympic medal winners have been significantly increased, and job quotas for athletes expanded from 2% to 5%, ensuring that young sportspeople can pursue their dreams with financial security.
Looking forward, the Sikkim Olympic Mission as promised in the manifesto embodies CM Tamang’s commitment to making Sikkim a leading state in sports. Through this initiative, 500 school students will be selected each year, receiving free world-class training, nutritional support, coaching, equipment, and mental conditioning. This grassroots talent promotion strategy aims to identify and nurture the best young athletes from a young age, ensuring a pipeline of talent for years to come.
The government’s vision also includes the establishment of the Sikkim Sports University, which will offer specialized programs in sports medicine, technology, and management. This institution, along with planned Sports Excellence Centres, will provide top-tier training facilities and coaching for those meeting national or international standards, ensuring that Sikkim’s athletes are equipped to compete on the highest stages.
CM Tamang is also focused on preserving and promoting Sikkim’s traditional sports, with plans to organize the Sikkim Rural Olympics.
In line with his focus on community and accessibility, CM Tamang has proposed setting up Pakyong District Sports Complex across 15 acres. There are also plans of constructing Futsal grounds in every Gram Panchayat. Inspired by the success of Sikkim Premier League in football, there are plans to introduce similar leagues across different sports, which will prove instrumental in bringing sporting opportunities closer to Sikkim’s sportspersons.
The administration has also pledged lifetime pensions for retired sportspersons who have represented the state or nation, a provision for lifelong security and dignity. For football, the Pem Dorjee Fellowship will soon be launched, offering aspiring players educational trips to Europe and opportunities to train with international football clubs, transforming Sikkim into a global football hub.
With these comprehensive initiatives, CM PS Tamang (Golay) is indeed setting the stage for Sikkim’s golden sporting future. His administration’s tireless efforts promise to create a generation of champions who will proudly carry Sikkim’s legacy on global platforms. Under his leadership, the dream of a ‘Sunaulo Ani Samriddh Sikkim’ is taking shape, promising a prosperous and empowered future for Sikkim’s youth through the power of sports.
