16 strength lifters to represent Sikkim at Eastern India and Jharkhand State Championship

Tuesday, Apr 07, 2026 08:00 [IST]

Last Update: Tuesday, Apr 07, 2026 02:19 [IST]

16 strength lifters to represent Sikkim at Eastern India and Jharkhand State Championship

HISHEY WANGDI

GANGTOK, : Sixteen strength lifters from Sikkim will participate in the upcoming 4th Eastern India and Jharkhand State Strengthlifting & Incline Bench Press Championship 2026, Sikkim Strength Lifting Association announced today.

The championship will be held in Ranchi, Jharkhand on April 11-12, and the Sikkim team of nine men and seven women will depart for the venue on Tuesday.

Addressing media, SSLA working president Allen Targain expressed confidence in the team and highlighted preparations undertaken by the athletes for the competition.

SSLA president Anil Raj Rai said the participants are not just competitors but ambassadors of Sikkim. He urged the athletes to uphold the values of sportsmanship.

Rai also emphasized the importance of maintaining strict discipline and adhering to anti-doping regulations. He cautioned athletes against the use of any banned substances, stating that fair play and integrity must remain at the core of the sport.

Pema Dorjee Bhutia, who will the accompanying the Sikkim team as coach, underscored the importance of discipline among athletes. He highlighted that consistent training, focus, and adherence to rules are key factors in achieving success at competitive levels. Bhutia urged the team members to remain dedicated, maintain professionalism, and uphold the values of sportsmanship throughout the championship.

During the press conference, the association also announced that the 8th State Strength Lifting Championship will be held in Mangan on May 23 and 24, providing another platform for athletes across the state to showcase their talent.

8th State Strength Lifting Championship will be held in Mangan on May 23 and 24. 

Sikkim at a Glance

  • Area: 7096 Sq Kms
  • Capital: Gangtok
  • Altitude: 5,840 ft
  • Population: 6.10 Lakhs
  • Topography: Hilly terrain elevation from 600 to over 28,509 ft above sea level
  • Climate:
  • Summer: Min- 13°C - Max 21°C
  • Winter: Min- 0.48°C - Max 13°C
  • Rainfall: 325 cms per annum
  • Language Spoken: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, English, Hindi