Monday, Apr 07, 2025 11:15 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, Apr 07, 2025 05:45 [IST]
GANGTOK: The highly anticipated curtain raiser for the inaugural Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Volleyball Tournament, part of the ‘Discover Rabong’ Cho-Dzo Festival 2025, took place on Sunday evening at MG Marg here.
The event, which marks the beginning of a week-long celebration from April 11 to April 16 at Cho-Dzo in Rabong, was graced by the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay as the chief guest.
The highlight of the curtain raiser was the unveiling of the official jerseys of the ten teams participating in the 1st Chief Minister’s Volleyball Tournament, as well as the presentation of the tournament’s trophy, by the Chief Minister, which was meticulously handcrafted by local artisans.
In a social media post, the Chief Minister expressed his happiness to unveil the trophy of the 1st Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Open Volleyball Tournament, a landmark sporting event being organized as part of the vibrant’ Discover Rabong’ Cho-Dzo Fest 2025 with the gracious support of the State Tourism & Civil Aviation department.
“This tournament is not just about competition—it is a celebration of teamwork, discipline, and the indomitable spirit of our youth. Our government is deeply committed to promoting sports and encouraging sportspersons from all walks of life. Through initiatives like this, we aim to create more opportunities for athletes to shine, showcase their talent, and inspire others,” said Golay. He extended best wishes to all the participating teams.
During the unveiling programme, the fixtures for the volleyball tournament were also announced. The winners of this prestigious competition will receive a cash prize of Rs. 20 lakh, while the runners-up will take home Rs. 10 lakh.
Notably, these teams will also feature international players from Nepal and Thailand, further enhancing the tournament’s appeal and competitive spirit.
In his opening remarks, MLA Riksal Dorjee Bhutia, the festival’s organizing chair, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and expressed his gratitude for their presence. He went on to highlight the festival’s significance, noting that the ‘Discover Rabong’ Cho-Dzo Festival has been celebrated since 2002, marking its 23rd edition this year.
Bhutia emphasized that the core objective of the festival is to promote sustainable tourism in the region. He explained that the term ‘Cho-Dzo’ refers to a lake, and likened the vital importance of water to ‘Jal Jeevan’ – “water is life.”
“By preserving our natural water bodies, we not only safeguard the environment but also enhance the beauty and allure of Rabong, which is crucial for sustainable tourism. This event is designed to showcase the cultural and natural richness of our region, benefiting the local community and the state at large,” Bhutia said.
The area MLA stressed that this festival is a catalyst for boosting tourism in Sikkim, which is a key industry, contributing significantly to the State’s economy. He urged all attendees to visit and explore the scenic beauty of Rabong and experience its vibrant culture first-hand.
In a special gesture, the team of Sikkimese professionals involved in the production of the film Aashiqui 3, directed by Anurag Basu and shot in Gangtok, honored the Chief Minister. Their heartfelt tribute was in recognition of the invaluable exposure they received thanks to the Chief Minister's efforts to promote the film industry in the region.
The event concluded with a note of thanks from Bishnu Prasad Sharma, general secretary of the organizing committee, who expressed his appreciation to the dignitaries, participants, and all those who contributed to making the curtain raiser and unveiling ceremony a resounding success.
The ‘Discover Rabong’ Cho-Dzo Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture, sports, and sustainable tourism, further solidifying Sikkim's reputation as a premier destination for eco-tourism and cultural exchange. As the festival kicks off on April 11, it is expected to attract visitors from across the nation and beyond, fostering both tourism and regional development.
