Sikkim badminton team leaves for North East Zone Inter-State Championship

GANGTOK,: The Sikkim badminton team departed from Gangtok on Monday to represent the State at YONEX-SUNRISE Inter-State Zonal Badminton Championship – Northeast Zone 2026, scheduled to be held in Shillong, Meghalaya, from September 16 to 19.

A send-off programme was organised in Gangtok today, where Badminton Association of Sikkim (BAS) general secretary of Sukant Das and vice president Thendup Bhutia represented the Association and extended their best wishes to the entire contingent for a successful championship.

The BAS contingent comprises 27 players and two officials, representing Sikkim in the men’s team, women’s team, junior boys’ team and junior girls’ team categories.

The teams will be accompanied by manager Lalit Rai and coach Rikesh Rai.

On the occasion of the team’s departure, BAS president Jacob Khaling conveyed his best wishes to the entire contingent and urged the players to compete with confidence, discipline and true sporting spirit.

“Representing Sikkim is a matter of great pride and responsibility. I urge every player to give their very best on the court, believe in their preparation and play with courage, discipline and unity. Win or lose, carry the name of Sikkim with dignity and make the State proud,” Khaling said.

Khaling also appreciated the efforts of the players, coaches, manager, parents and everyone associated with the development of badminton in Sikkim. He expressed confidence that the contingent, comprising both experienced players and promising young talents, will put up a strong and commendable performance at the Northeast Zone Championship.

Men’s Team:Uttam Jindal, Tseten Dorjee Bhutia, Avishek Pradhan, Prasan Chettri, Anmol Rai 2, Anmol Rai 1, Nabin Pradhan and Kusal Lama.

Women’s Team:Binita Rai, Anisha Rai, Varsha Subba, Sunandita Bista, Sumnima Rai 2, Sumnima Rai 1, Karma Yangki Bhutia and Mamta Bharati.

Junior Boys’ Team:Sidhant Gurung, Porvash Prasad, Aansh Dhamala, Hingmon Limbu and Sesaan Rai.

Junior Girls’ Team:Biswanjali Subba, Mhendo Gyaltsen Tamang, Higxzen Dolma Lachenpa, Choying Tsepel Tamang, Alena Chettri and Namrakh Subba.