Tarundeep Rai Archery Academy, Kitchu Dumra

Namchi, 30th June (IPR): Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang laid the foundation stone of Tarundeep Rai Archery Academy at Kitchu Dumra, Lower Kamrang, today. Also present were Madam Krishna Rai, MP Lok Sabha, Deputy Speaker (SLA), Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Political Secretary, Press Secretary, Advisors, Chairpersons, Chief Secretary, DGP, HODs, officers and staff from District Administrative Centres and representatives of various associations. The programme also saw sportspersons and world-class archers Mr. Tarundeep Rai, Ms. Deepika Kumari, Mr. Atanu Das, Mr. Rajat Chauhan, Mr. B. Dhiraj, Mr. Abhishek Verma and coach Mr. Sonam T. Bhutia.
At the outset the Chief Minister, along with dignitaries laid the foundation stone of the Academy, marking the beginning of a promising sports project.
Chief Minister welcomed the gathering and extended his congratulations on commencement of this project, which he said, will provide a platform for the budding sportsperson belonging to Sikkim as well as the country. He expressed his gratitude to the visiting archers for being a part of the programme, stating that their presence had added significance to the event. This Academy was envisioned by the State Government to strengthen the sport of archery, which is a major competitive sport at state, national and international level. The Academy is scheduled to be completed within two years. Additionally, he cited achievements brought forth by excellent archers such as Tarundeep Rai, Ms. Deepika Kumari, who won Gold Medal in the 2010 Commonwealth games. He urged one and all to draw inspiration from them and assured that this sports complex would benefit not a handful but the State at large.
Delving, on the various Sports infrastructure developed by the State Government, the Chief Minister spoke about Bhaichung Stadium, BCCI Affiliated Mining Cricket Stadium, Upgradation of Paljor Stadium and the establishment of state-of-the-art Boxing Academy named after Sikkim’s Boxing Icon and Arjuna Awardee and Olympian, Jas Lall Pradhan. The State Government has given impetus to a diverse set of sports activities, which has resulted in organising successful sporting events, such as Sikkim Premier League, the 6th Youth Men’s National Boxing Championship, and hosting the prestigious Ranji Trophy.
Speaking on the initiatives of the State Government, he said that multiple schemes have been launched for the holistic benefit of the masses. Schemes catering for the welfare and development of women namely Aama, Vatsalya Yojna, Bahini have been successfully implemented. Apart, from these schemes, the State Government is also providing housing benefits in the form of Chief Minister Garib Awas Yojana, including distribution of inverters and many other projects aimed for the progress of the Sikkimese citizens. He insisted that the public must actively participate in the process towards progress.
On his role as the M.L.A of Poklok-Kamrang constituency, he said that he would devote his time to the people of the constituency to hear out their grievances and provide solutions, ensuring to strengthen various sectors and fields to reap the maximum benefit in the region, next month. One of the many objectives is to transform Kitchu Dumra, using its strategic location as an advantage to draw athletes with its upcoming sports complex and also serve as a tourist destination for those travelling within Namchi, Soreng and Gyalshing districts.
Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Mr. Kunga Nima Lepcha informed that this is a historic moment for the state to have an Archery Academy, which will assist in elevating the status of this sport. He further congratulated the public in acquiring this sports complex and urged all to take collective responsibility for expansion and growth of the Academy. Moreover, he reminded the gathering that the first National Ranking Archery Tournament, 2023 organized by Archery Association of India in association with Sikkim Archery Association took place at Paljor Stadium, proving that the State is capable of hosting national level events.
Secretary (Sports and Youth Affairs) Mr. Raju Basnet said that this Academy has been instituted to honour the achievements of Olympian Tarundeep Rai as well as to inspire young Sikkimese athletes. He informed that the forthcoming construction of the Academy will feature an exceptional facility and an expansive area of 2.461 acres (107,201 sqft). With a budget of 30.4 crore, this five-storey Academy will comprise of three blocks, featuring top-notch amenities including a gymnasium, classrooms, conference rooms, hostel accommodation for girls and boys, library, physio/medical facilities, guest rooms, and more. The Academy aims to provide an unparalleled nurturing and learning experience.
Olympian Mr. Tarundeep Rai thanked the State Government for bestowing him with this honour. He said that the Academy would hone young talents from every nook and corner of the State. He further urged everyone to realise the seriousness of sports and work towards the healthy growth of society.
The function included a presentation and a walk-through of the Tarundeep Rai Archery Academy project, showcasing its facilities and design. This allowed guests and attendees to visualise the facilities and get a comprehensive understanding of the Academy’s layout and amenities.
During the course of the programme, Chief Minister was felicitated by Tarundeep Rai and his family for the State Government’s efforts in creating this world class sports complex. On behalf of the State Government, the Chief Minister presented mementos as well as traditional gifts and goods from Sikkim to Tarundeep Rai and the visiting archers as well as the coach.
Earlier in the programme, a two-minute silence was observed to mourn and pay respect to Mr. Padam Gurung, president of Student Representative Council from Namchi Government College.