Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and inauguration of Bhaichung Stadium

Namchi, October 31st (IPR): On the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Governor of Sikkim Shri. Ganga Prasad inaugurated Bhaichung Stadium at Namchi in the gracious presence of Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Shri Indra Hang Subba, SLA Speaker Sri L.B. Das, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Department Shri. Kunga Nima Lepcha, Cabinet Ministers along with a host of other dignitaries and sports persons alike .
Addressing, the gathering Governor Shri Ganga Prasad expressed his jubilation on the historical event which is inauguration of the much awaited Bhaichung Stadium in the state of Sikkim. He added that this is a special occasion for the citizens of sikkim and other sports persons in the country as this stadium will provide a platform to hone the skills of playing and watching professional football matches. The Governor also said that this inauguration coincides with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 146th birth anniversary which is celebrated as National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas across the country.
He cited examples of the heroic deeds of the iron man of India, his unrelenting hand in leading the country through the struggles of Independence and urged people to draw inspiration from his contributions. Closer home the governor spoke in brief about a prominent freedom fighter Helen Lepcha alias Sabitri Devi who dedicated her life in building the nation.
Delving about Sikkim the Governor updated that the State is known for its Organic Farming and serene environment which has the capability of attracting scores of tourist and underlined that these and many more factors are there which makes sikkim as one of the most affable states in the country and urged the youths particularly to elevate the state and the country to much higher grounds.
Speaking at the inaugural function Chief Minister Shri P. S. Tamang congratulated and dedicated the stadium to the people of Sikkim and other sports players at large. He said that the State Government has and will always give priority in sports section, they will strive to develop sports based facility and extend all possible assistance in evolving the sports field.
Despite a couple of lacuna bhaichung stadium was finished in a record of two years time which is a milestone for the State Government. This stadium will promote sports, help in bringing people together in the spirit of sportsmanship overall this stadium will be a symbol for cebration.
The Chief Minister added that the stadium is named after the legendary footballer Bhaichung Bhutia who is the recipient of the prestigious Arjuna and Padma awards among others. The name of the stadium refers to the achievements of Bhaichung Bhutia which has been immortalized so as to encourage budding sports players of our state to try hard and gain laures for sikkim in their chosen sports field.
During the course of the program the Governor and the Chief Minister felicitated the 1971 Indo-Pak war veterans and next of kin of soldiers martyred in various operations/actions. They are namely Rifleman Bir Bahadur Rai, 5/11 GR, residents of Chumbung, Havildar Laxmi Prasad Nepal, Artillery, Havildar Mani Das Rai, Artillery, Rifleman Late Bishal Gurung, 3/1 GR martyred while fighting Pak terrorist in Kupwara Jammu and Kashmir, Rifleman Late Karma Tenzing Sherpa 2/5 GR martyred during the counter insurgency operation ‘OP Hifaazat’ in Manipur.
Alongwith the veterans everster Smt Manita Pradhan for scaling numerous mountains as well as Mount Everest was felicitated for noteworthy performance in adventure sports.
A fleet of Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) vehicles under Sikkim Police were also handed over, this vehicle specialized in single emergency response number which is 112 for addressing all types of citizen emergency. The person in distress can dial 112 from their phone, incase of panic alert for basic phones they can press the numbers 5 or 8 for a while for smart phones the citizens can press power button 3 or 5 times in a swift motion. The citizens can also shoot an email to dial.112@sikkim.gov.in or use 112 India Mobile Application. For web request one can visit the website www.sk.erss.in . ERSS is citizen friendly and an efficient operation for catering to emergency calls.
The Bhaichung Stadium has approximately 7500 seating capacity and has been awarded the ‘Fifa Quality Pro’ label. The sporting surface is made of tiger turf and the total area of the stadium is 19650 SQM in which the playing field area is 105m X 68m, respectively.
Some of the facilities that the stadium comprises are the offices for physiotherapists, managers, linesmen, referees, changing and coach rooms. Additionally, there are a food court, computer, media and public address rooms. A mess and a space for the hall of fame have also been put up. The stadium also has a VVIP lounge, hostel, warden, commentators and a utility room.
The arena is equipped with a state-of-art firefighting system, rainwater harvesting tank, digital scoreboard, boundary fencing, diesel generator set, green gallery and a parking facility for at least 50 cars.