GANGTOK, (IPR): The inaugural Sikkim Forest Sports Meet 2025, themed ‘Sports for Camaraderie,’ successfully concluded Sunday at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok. This event celebrated fitness, unity and sustainability among the employees of the Forest and Environment department.
The concluding day had Agriculture minister Puran Gurung, and Upper Syari MLA Tenzing Norbu Lamtha and Tumin Lingee MLA Samdup Tshering Bhutia as the guests of honour.
Organised in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Sikkim's Statehood, the sports meet attracted participants from all six districts. Over 700 employees competed in more than 25 events held over three days at Khelgaon and Paljor Stadium.
The initiative was executed in collaboration with the State Sports department, Badminton Association of Sikkim, Gangtok District Athletics Association and other organisations, with Forest minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha leading the initiative.
Environmental sustainability was a core consideration throughout the meet, demonstrated by various measures including a prohibition on single-use plastics, pooled bus transport to mitigate congestion and emissions, establishment of a Green Audit Team to assess and document the event’s environmental impact, issuance of eco-friendly e-invitations to dignitaries, and execution of pre- and post-event clean-up drives to restore and preserve the venue.
The event concluded with a closing ceremony at Paljor Stadium, attended by senior officials, dignitaries and staff, during which prizes were distributed for various events held across three days.
The Forest Headquarters Team Tigers was declared the overall champions.
Silvanus Sherpa was adjudged the best male athlete, while Phursongmit Lepcha was the best female athlete.
Additionally, Anup Jyoti Baniya was awarded the title of best athlete in the veteran men’s category, and Dr Merab Basnet was named the best athlete in the veteran women’s category.
The selected athletes will be nominated to participate in the upcoming edition of the All India Forest Meet.