The 34th Sikkim State Badminton Championship 2025 commenced on Friday at the Indoor Badminton Hall, Paljor Stadium. The four-day tournament was inaugurated by Minister for Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan, Printing and Stationery Departments, Samdup Lepcha.

Organised by the Badminton Association of Sikkim (BAS) under the aegis of the Badminton Association of India, the championship features players across different age groups from all districts of the state.

In his address, Minister Lepcha highlighted the importance of sports in promoting health, discipline, and immunity. He encouraged participants to compete with dedication, maintain sportsmanship, and follow the code of conduct, noting that participation itself is an achievement.

President of BAS, Jacob Khaling, shared details of the tournament schedule and stated that it could be extended if necessary. He added that selected state players would receive training and coaching to enhance their skills for national-level competitions.

The programme began with a welcome address by BAS General Secretary Sukanta Das, and the players’ oath was administered by Master Tseten Wangdi Bhutia.

Other dignitaries present included Deputy Mayor of Gangtok Municipal Corporation Tshering Palden Bhutia, SDM Gangtok Mahindra Chettri, President of Sikkim Olympic Association Kuber Bhandari, Deputy Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Department Dawa Ongmu Lepcha, along with officials and participants from across the state.