PAKYONG, (IPR): The final coordination meeting for the forthcoming 23rd Chief
Minister's Compound Archery Gold Cup was held today at the RDD Community
Complex, RURBAN Pakyong.
The
meeting was presided over by Advisor to CM-cum-president, State Archery
Association, Kunga Nima Lepcha, alongside Advisor, Culture department and
Health & Family Welfare department, TT Bhutia, MLA Gnathang Machong, and
Advisor, Social Welfare Department and Women, Child, Senior Citizen, and Person
with Disabilities Welfare department, Pamin Lepcha, who also serves as the president
of the organising committee.
Addressing
the gathering, Kunga Nima Lepcha commended the organising committee and line
departments for their contributions to enhancing the archery facilities. He
emphasised the historical significance of traditional archery in Sikkim and its
transition to contemporary archery practices.
He
expressed his gratitude for the younger generation's enthusiasm for the sport
and assured them that the State Archery Association would extend support to
aspiring archers. Moreover, he acknowledged the Chief Minister's commitment to
sports development and encouraged young archers to seize the opportunities
presented to them. He also explained that the event would include performances
of arts and cultural exhibitions aimed at preserving traditional practices and
fostering a connection to heritage among the younger population.
Commending
the association for its efforts, TT Bhutia highlighted the historical context
of archery in Sikkim, noting its advancement over the years. He articulated the
health benefits associated with archery, characterising it as an exercise that
enhances focus, coordination, and overall wellness. He expressed optimism
regarding aspiring archers from other districts training in Pakyong district
and underscored the importance of preserving cultural traditions, including
traditional attire and heritage, while promoting communal harmony.
Pamin
Lepcha followed up on the progress of assigned tasks and provided further
directives to various departments and the organising committee. She formed
committees for various aspects of the event and urged coordination between the
organising committee and line departments.
Committees
were formed to oversee various aspects of the event, followed by an open
discussion regarding the roles and responsibilities of both line departments
and committees in preparation for the tournament.
Earlier,
Pakyong District Archery Association general association Tashi Mapen, in his
welcome address, conveyed his appreciation to the Chief Minister for allocating
government land for the establishment of the archery academy, as well as to the
Minister for Sangha for facilitating the acquisition process. He also extended
thanks to the MP (Rajya Sabha) and MLA Gnathang Machong for their support in
realising this project.
Additionally,
he outlined the objective of the academy to provide national-level technical
assistance to dedicated archers, thereby enabling them to refine their skills.
He recognised Sikkim's archers, who have represented the state and the nation
across various platforms. Furthermore, he informed the attendees that the event
would not solely concentrate on sports but would also include cultural
showcases of traditional and endangered games, such as dart competitions and
kite flying.
He
provided a comprehensive report on the completed and outstanding tasks, as well
as various logistical and infrastructural requirements that must be addressed
prior to the commencement of the tournament.
Prior
to the meeting, the delegates conducted a ritual worship at the archery field
to ensure an auspicious, safe, and successful event.
As
part of the meeting, the official logo for the upcoming 23rd Chief Minister's
Compound Archery Gold Cup was unveiled, with an explanation of its design and
significance.
A
video presentation illustrating the transformation of the archery field from
its inception to its current state was also displayed.
It
is noteworthy that the tournament is scheduled to commence on April 10 at
Karthok Archery Field, Pakyong. The event will be organised by the Pakyong
District Archery Association in collaboration with the District Administration
Centre, Pakyong, under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Nasha Mukt Sikkim
campaign, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's Statehood.
Also
present were Zilla members; Panchayat members; additional director, Tshering
Chopel Bhutia; ADC (Headquarter), GL Meena; ADC (Development), Robin Pd Sewa;
SDM (Headquarter), Thendup Lepcha; joint secretary, Sikkim Archery Association,
Pujan Rai; heads of offices from various departments under the district; NDRF
officials; members from Pakyong District Archery Association; members from
Karthok Samaj; and local gentry.
