PAKYONG, : Sichey Mavericks won the 23rd
Chief Minister’s Compound Archery Gold Cup held at Karthok, Pakyong, defeating
Green Tara 50-19 in the final today.
Sonam Gyaltsen Dukpa of Sichey Mavericks won both the ‘Player of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Tournament’ awards.
The winner received a trophy and Rs. 4.5 lakh, while the runner-up received Rs. 3.5 lakh.
The tournament, which began on April 10, featured 15 teams from Sikkim, West Bengal and Bhutan.
Likewise, in the final of the 31-team traditional dart competition, Yawa Boys defeated Champo 7 with a score of 98-36. Jigmee Wangchuk was named ‘Player of the Match’, while Laku Tshering took home the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.
The final had Chief Minister P.S. Golay as the chief guest. He congratulated Pakyong District Archery Association for successfully organising the event at Karthok. He emphasised the importance of archery as an old sport which, he said, should be preserved and participated by all age groups. He also stressed that the establishment of the new archery range at Karthok is a testament to the collaborative efforts made to promote archery on a larger scale.
The Chief Minister informed that sports events are being taken beyond Gangtok to create more opportunities for local residents. He said, “We are moving many sports activities away from Gangtok due to overcrowding and limited space for expansion. This year, we havve organized various events outside the capital such as the volleyball tournament at Rabong and Chief Minister’s Gold Cup Football Tournament at Jorethang. These events not only provide ample space for activities but also create opportunities for local people to earn.”
He also announced the sanctioning of a district-level archery academy at Karthok.
The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of area MLA Pamin Lepcha for initiating tea plantations in her constituency to boost tourism and the economy. “Rhenock constituency has also planned to adopt tea plantation for which we have allocated Rs. 50 lakh,” the Chief Minister added.
To ease traffic congestion on the Ranipool-Gangtok NH10, the Chief Minister announced construction of a cable car system from Namli to Ranipool and further to STNM Hospital and a and bus and taxi stand at Namli. He also informed that an alternate highway will be constructed from Syari to Ranipool at a cost of Rs. 23 crore and a new highway from Pakyong to Gangtok via Assam Lingzey and Chongay.
The Chief Minister commended Pakyong ADC (Development) Robin Sewa and the team for their efforts in engaging staff during the Field Friday initiative.
The event was attended by the Chief Minister’s spouse Krishna Rai, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, advisors, zilla adhyaksha and upadhyaksha, department heads, dignitaries, police officials and the general public.
Organized by Pakyong District Archery Association in collaboration with the District Administration Centre, Pakyong, the tournament was a part of the 50th Statehood day celebrations. It was conducted under the banners of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Nasha Mukt Sikkim Abhiyan, promoting a healthy and drug-free lifestyle through sports.