Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang inaugurated the newly constructed Youth Hostel-cum-Gym and the upgraded Mangan Public Ground on Wednesday, marking a significant development in the district’s sports infrastructure.

On arrival, the Chief Minister was welcomed by Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Raju Basnet, Minister-cum-Area MLA Samdup Lepcha, Minister for Forest and Environment Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, Minister for Ecclesiastical, Public Health Engineering, and Water Resources Departments Sonam Lama, along with secretaries, senior officers, advisors, and youth representatives.

Following a ceremonial guard of honour, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Youth Hostel-cum-Gym by unveiling a plaque, cutting the ribbon, and inspecting the newly constructed facilities. The Secretary and Chief Engineer of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department briefed the Chief Minister on the project details and amenities designed to benefit the district’s youth.

The Youth Hostel-cum-Gym features modern gym equipment, hostel facilities for both boys and girls, and supporting amenities. The 60-bedded facility, covering a plinth area of 249 sq.m., includes two 30-bedded hostel units on the ground floor, common dining and kitchen areas, office space, gym units, warden rooms, attached toilets, and separate washrooms for boys and girls. The first floor houses instructor rooms with attached toilets, equipment rooms, additional bathrooms, and changing rooms. The gym halls for boys and girls each measure 17.5 m × 14.7 m.

Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister visited the upgraded Mangan Public Ground, symbolically kicking off a football to mark the reopening. A demonstration drill by local players highlighted the region’s growing sports enthusiasm.

The renovated football ground meets 11-a-side tournament standards and measures 107 m by 64 m, with a playground area of 100 m × 59 m. The stadium has a total capacity of approximately 4,000, including pavilion seating, Western Gallery, and Hillside Gallery.