NAMCHI,: In a first, Sikkim is all set to host the 1st Open Invitational Taekwondo Championship 2025.
The tournament is being organized by the Namchi District Taekwondo Association under the Sikkim Amateur Taekwondo Association at Indoor Stadium in Namchi from January 23 to 25.
The announcement was made by the organising committee in a press conference held in Namchi today.
The press conference was attended by Namchi-Singithang MLA Satish Chandra Rai, who is also the chief patron of the organizing committee, along with Namchi Municipal Council chairman Ganesh Rai as the patron.
Satish Chandra Rai, in his address, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister PS Golay and former MLA Krishna Rai for approving and supporting the program.
The 1st Open Invitational Taekwondo Championship 2025 will help in the promotion of the Namchi district across the nation, he added.
Organizing committee president Sunil Dhamala presented necessary information about the tournament.
Guest teams from Bhutan and Nepal will participate, along with 17 states from within the country, which is confirmed to participate in the taekwondo championship, he informed.
In addition, an electronic scoring system is being set up for the tournament for the first time in Sikkim.
The press conference was also attended by Namchi Nari Shakti convener Rama Tamang, Namchi Singithang CLC president Tashi Dorjee Tamang, spokesperson Sanjay Rai, organizing committee general secretary OT Lepcha, SAI in-charge and taekwondo coach Rupen Pradhan, members of the Namchi District Taekwondo Association, and a coach.
During the meeting, key members of the organizing committee called for public participation.
Speaking to SIKKIM EXPRESS, area MLA Satish Chandra Rai talked about the benefits of incorporating sports for well-being.
Mentioning the victims of addiction, the chief patron urged them to value and understand life and invest their energy in honing the talents they possess. Meanwhile, he expressed his support to youngsters and encouraged them to participate in the tournament.
Sunil Dhamala informed us that the organizing committee, i.e., the Namchi District Taekwondo Association, is affiliated with the Sikkim Amateur Taekwondo Association, which is further affiliated with the Sikkim Olympic Association and India Taekwondo.
The event will be conducted in different categories, viz. sub junior, cadet, junior, and freshers for girls and boys.
Sikkim Amateur Taekwondo Association will deploy qualified referees for the event, he added.
The organizing committee president expressed that such a sporting event is a platform for children and youths to concentrate on their abilities, which also fosters sportsmanship among them. It also strengthens sport associations like the Namchi District Taekwondo Association, he added.
