First-ever Regional Inter-School Basketball Championship kicks off in Soreng

SORENG, (IPR): The first-ever Regional Inter-School Basketball Championship 2026 commenced at Don Bosco School, Malbasey, Soreng, bringing together school teams from Sikkim and neighbouring regions in a celebration of sporting talent, teamwork and camaraderie. The initiative aims to promote a sporting culture among students, identify emerging basketball talent and provide young athletes with a platform to showcase their abilities.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with the lighting of the tournament torch and flame by the chief guest, Soreng-Chakung MLA Aditya Golay, symbolising determination, unity, and fair play. The ceremony also witnessed the administration of the oath and fair-play pledge to the players and officials, followed by the unveiling of the MLA’s Basketball Championship Shield.

Addressing the gathering, Aditya Golay congratulated the organisers and appreciated their collaborative efforts in bringing the inaugural edition of the regional championship to fruition. Acknowledging the initiative as an important step towards establishing a broader sporting platform, he commended the involvement of the Basketball Association of Sikkim and the collective contributions of the participating institutions.

He emphasised the importance of discipline, fair play, and sportsmanship, highlighting that such sporting platforms provide opportunities for students to interact, build networks, and exchange ideas beyond their respective schools and regions. He expressed hope that the championship would grow in scale in the coming years, attracting participation from more schools across different regions. He also conveyed his appreciation to the District Administration, Soreng, Don Bosco School, Malbasey, and the entire organising team for their dedicated efforts in organising the event.

The MLA thereafter formally declared the tournament open, marking the commencement of the First Regional Inter-School Basketball Championship 2026.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Additional District Magistrate, Soreng, D.R. Bista, welcomed the dignitaries, participating teams, and guests. He highlighted the significance of hosting the district’s first regional-level inter-school basketball tournament and expressed hope that the initiative would develop into an annual sporting event, providing young athletes with a sustained platform to showcase their abilities and pursue sporting excellence. A pledge was also administered on the occasion in observance of the National Unity Pledge, reaffirming the values of unity, integrity, and collective responsibility.

President of the Don Bosco Alumni Association, Roshan Sharma, outlined the vision behind organising the championship and acknowledged the collective efforts and institutional support that had made the event possible. He emphasised that the initiative was conceived to contribute towards the development of the younger generation by identifying emerging sporting talent, creating opportunities for young players, and encouraging sportsmanship, discipline, and healthy competition.

Adding to the vibrancy of the event, several stalls featuring food, beverages, locally produced goods, and other items were set up at the venue, providing opportunities for local vendors to showcase their products while contributing to the festive atmosphere.

The championship is being conducted in both boys’ and girls’ categories, with matches scheduled across two basketball courts. The tournament brings together schools from Sikkim and neighbouring regions, reflecting a shared commitment to nurturing young sporting talent and strengthening inter-school relationships through sports.

The participating schools include: Don Bosco School, Malbasey, Don Bosco School, Siliguri, Don Bosco School, Kalimpong, Don Bosco School, Mirik, Don Bosco School, Kolkata, Greenale Academy, Gangtok, North Point School, Darjeeling, Government Senior Secondary School, Tashiding, Government Senior Secondary School, Mangan, St George School, Siliguri, Sri Sri Academy, Siliguri, Delhi Public School, Siliguri, Namchi Public School, Namchi, St Augustine’s School, Kalimpong, St Xavier’s School, Pakyong; EMRS, Gangyap, PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Soreng, PNG, Gangtok, Kasturba Gandhi Girls School, Labing and Kyangsa Girls School, Gyalshing.