Gangtok, July 28, 2025 – The 1st Sikkim Sub Junior & Junior State Ranking Badminton Championship – 2025, organized by Young Shuttlers of Sikkim under the aegis of the Badminton Association of Sikkim (BAS), wrapped up today with resounding success. Held over three action‑packed days (26–28 July), the event brought together more than 200 young athletes from all six districts of Sikkim, competing across Under‑11 to Under‑19 categories for both boys and girls.
Badminton Championship Highlights
- Mass Participation & Talent Showcase: Over 200 enthusiastic players represented every district, vying for state ranking points in age groups from Under‑11 to Under‑19.
- Organizational Excellence: The tournament was executed flawlessly by Young Shuttlers of Sikkim, supported by BAS.
- Distinguished Guests: The grand finale was graced by Mrs. and Mr. Nakul Gurung, parents of the late Kuldeep Gurung, as Chief Guests. They were joined by Shri Jacob Khaling, President of BAS, along with other executive members.
- Athlete Development Focus: The championship provided a competitive platform for young shuttlers to gain experience, improve performance, and earn state rankings.
- Promotion of Grassroots Badminton: The event marked a milestone in BAS’s mission to foster grassroots badminton, nurturing a strong talent pipeline for future state and national representation.
BAS extends heartfelt congratulations to all participants, their coaches, parents, and volunteers, and commends the organizing team at Young Shuttlers of Sikkim for their dedication and flawless delivery.
Action Plan to Develop Young Badminton Talent in Sikkim
To build on the momentum generated by this championship and further strengthen badminton in Sikkim—particularly given that most senior secondary schools already have auditorium halls with badminton court facilities—BAS offers these top three actionable initiatives:
1. School-Based Badminton Training Programs
- Launch structured after-school coaching sessions utilizing existing auditorium courts in senior secondary schools.
- Partner with the Education Department and BAS to deploy certified trainers at the district level.
- Organize regular skill development workshops and inter-school friendly matches to maintain engagement and interest.
2. District-Level Badminton League via School Venues
- Establish a Sikkim School Badminton League (SSBL), rotating matches across school auditoriums across districts.
- Rotate venues to optimize resources, involve local communities, and stimulate interest at the grassroots.
- Publish match highlights and player spotlights on social media to raise visibility for young athletes and school teams.
3. Talent Scouting & School-Level Ranking System
- Conduct district-level scouting camps in school auditoriums where BAS officials identify promising players during league matches.
- Introduce a school-based ranking system.
- Reward top performers with scholarships, sports kits, or advanced coaching opportunities, thereby motivating students to train harder and compete regularly.
The successful staging of the 1st Sikkim Sub Junior & Junior State Ranking Badminton Championship – 2025 is a powerful testament to Sikkim’s commitment to nurturing youth sports. By leveraging existing infrastructure, launching school-based training, organizing district-wide leagues, and implementing structured talent identification, BAS can ensure badminton continues to flourish at the grassroots — paving the way for Sikkim’s future stars to compete at state and national levels.