The first Sikkim State Inter-School Badminton Championship 2025 commenced on Monday at the Indoor Badminton Hall, Paljor Stadium Complex, Gangtok. Organised by the Badminton Association of Sikkim (BAS), the event was inaugurated by Minister for Education, Sports & Youth Affairs, and Law & Parliamentary Affairs Departments Raju Basnet, who attended as the Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, Basnet congratulated BAS on behalf of the Education Department and stressed the importance of identifying sporting talent at the school level to strengthen grassroots sports. He described the current period as a golden era for sports in Sikkim under a sports-loving Chief Minister and encouraged participants to make full use of the opportunity before declaring the championship open.

The tournament saw participation from around 100 schools in the Under-17 and Under-19 categories during the district-level phase, with 36 schools qualifying for the State Finals in both team and individual events. BAS Vice President Thendup Tseten Bhutia, presenting the tournament report, noted that 667 players from 96 schools competed at the district level.

BAS President Jacob Khaling reiterated the association’s goal to scout and develop talent from across the state through structured coaching, with aspirations for achievements at the national and international levels, including the Olympics.

The opening ceremony featured the introduction of players and officials, the National Anthem, an oath of fair play led by Hingmon Limboo of Namchi Public School, and a cultural performance. The championship will conclude on August 12, 2025, with the announcement of winners.