The recently
concluded '1st Soreng Open Badminton Tournament', held from April 13 to 15,
2025, at the Jautar Indoor Stadium in Soreng, West Sikkim, stands as a
compelling example of how grassroots initiatives can unlock doors of
opportunity for youth across rural and semi-urban communities.
Organised by
the "Soreng Badminton Association", the tournament drew participation
from diverse regions and age groups, reflecting both the growing interest in
badminton and the region’s readiness to embrace competitive sports.
Bridging the
Exposure Gap
For many of us
who grew up in earlier decades, the concept of structured exposure to state or
national-level sports was nearly absent. While we played with enthusiasm, we
lacked access to vital information—how to register, which institutions to
approach, or what levels to aspire to. It was not a lack of talent, but a lack
of direction and access.
Today, the
landscape has changed dramatically—but only for those who are informed. There
remains a sizeable gap between what is available and what is accessible,
especially for children from remote villages or modest backgrounds. Events like
the 1St Soreng Open Badminton Tournament acts as bridges, connecting talent to
the larger world of opportunity.
Harnessing the
Power of the Digital Age
In the age of
smartphones and endless screen time, our youth are increasingly absorbed in
digital distractions. While the internet can be a powerful tool for learning
and development, its overuse in passive forms often leads to isolation,
inactivity, and loss of purpose.
What is needed now more than ever is community-level intervention—where parents, local clubs, schools, and samaj actively promote participation in sports. Encouraging children to compete, to train, to aspire—this is how we cultivate discipline, focus, and long-term ambition.
National
Policies and Local Potential
The Indian
government, through initiatives like "Khelo India", has created
structured pathways for identifying and nurturing sporting talent at the
grassroots. However, unless local bodies and civil societies step in to guide
youth toward these programs, the schemes remain underutilized.
The Soreng tournament, therefore, isn’t just a sporting event. It’s a wake-up call. It shows what is possible when a community comes together with vision and purpose. Even children from rural areas can dream of standing on international podiums—if only someone shows them the path.
The
Responsibility We Share
The real impact
of such tournaments lies in how communities respond afterward. Will local clubs
start scouting for talent? Will parents prioritize sports as much as academics?
Will schools identify and train their players? Will the Samaj grow and pay attention to be a torch bearer apart
from just marriage/funeral functions?
It is the collective responsibility of civil society to ensure that such platforms are not one-time events but part of a continuous journey of engagement, awareness, and growth.
Conclusion
The 1st Soreng Open Badminton Tournament was more than a three-day sporting event. It was a beacon of what inclusive development can look like. It reminded us that talent exists in every corner of Sikkim, and beyond. All it needs is a platform—and a community that believes in its potential.
References:
1. Sikkim
Express. (2025). '1st Open Badminton Tournament 2025 reaches its third day at
Jautar Stadium'. [Link](https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/1st-open-badminton-tournament-2025-reaches-its-third-day-at-jautar-stadium)
2. Roots
Foundation. (2024). 'Top Sports Programs for Youth Development in Rural
Communities'. [Link](https://rootsfoundation.in/top-sports-programs-for-youth-development-in-rural-communities)
3. Ministry of
Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India. 'Khelo India Programme'.
[kheloindia.gov.in](https://kheloindia.gov.in)
Email: gauravsubba28@gmail.com
