New Delhi : The final day of the Lt. LD Kazi Memorial Gold Cup was graced by the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, as the chief guest, accompanied by Madam Sarda Tamang.
In his address, the Chief Minister extended his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Chakung for their unwavering trust and support throughout the years. He fondly recalled his long association with the region, having been elected by the people of Chakung from 1994 to 2009, and acknowledged their continued faith in his leadership.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Mr Prem Singh Tamang highlighted that the Lt. LD Kazi Memorial Gold Cup was inaugurated in 2008 as a tribute to the late LD Kazi, the first Chief Minister of Sikkim and a visionary leader whose contributions to the state remain an inspiration. He briefly recounted the history and legacy of the tournament, emphasizing how it has evolved into a prestigious sporting event that fosters unity, sportsmanship, and youth participation across the state.
He expressed his sincere appreciation to the organizing committee for their dedication and efforts in successfully hosting this year’s edition of the Gold Cup. He also extended his thanks to the MLA (Soreng-Chakung) and the patron of the event, Mr Aditya Golay, and to the members of the Lt. LD Kazi family for their continued support and commitment to preserving the legacy of the late leader.
Mr Prem Singh Tamang further commended the organizing committee for introducing the “Chakung Run” half-marathon, describing it as a commendable initiative to promote health, fitness, and youth engagement through sports. He assured that the state government is fully committed to supporting activities that empower and uplift the youth of Sikkim. He reiterated that his government continues to prioritize development in key sectors such as sports, health, education, and social welfare to build a stronger and more inclusive Sikkim.
During his address, he also made a significant announcement that the “Chakung Run Sikkim” would be upgraded to an international-level event in the coming years. He stated that the event will be organized as part of the Lt. LD Kazi Memorial Gold Cup and monitored by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Sikkim, ensuring its professional execution and global recognition.
Highlighting the ongoing development projects in Soreng District, the HCM mentioned several key initiatives, including the establishment of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose University of Excellence, the renovation of the historic Chakung Dak Bungalow, the development of Guru Gyandil Das Dham at Gelling, and the upcoming LD Kazi Memorial Adventure and Cultural Centre. These projects, he stated, reflect the government’s vision of promoting education, culture, and tourism in the region while creating opportunities for local communities.
Mr Tamang also announced that the Government of Sikkim will provide an educational fund for the winners of Sikkim Idol in the junior category, as part of its ongoing efforts to encourage young talent and promote the arts among the youth.
Concluding his speech, Mr Prem Singh Tamang reaffirmed the government’s steadfast focus on women’s empowerment and inclusive development. He stated that empowering women socially, economically, and politically remains one of the state’s top priorities. He encouraged the people of Sikkim to continue working together in harmony for the progress and prosperity of the state, emphasising that collective effort and community spirit are the true strengths of Sikkim.
The welcome speech was delivered by the MLA of Soreng–Chakung Constituency, Mr Aditya Golay. In his address, He proposed that a state-level marathon be institutionalised as an annual calendar event, highlighting that such initiatives not only encourage physical fitness and community participation but also serve as a platform to showcase the district’s scenic beauty and vibrant culture to visitors from across the state and beyond.
Furthermore, Mr Prem Singh Tamang urged the residents of Soreng District to focus on establishing and enhancing homestay facilities, as the region is witnessing rapid progress in several infrastructure development projects, many of which are nearing completion. He remarked that once these projects are operational, Soreng is expected to experience a significant rise in tourist inflow. To ensure that visitors have a comfortable and authentic local experience, he encouraged individuals and families to prepare their homes to accommodate tourists, thereby contributing to sustainable and community-based tourism.
The day’s proceedings were further enlivened by cultural performances presented by students from various schools, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Soreng District and celebrating the spirit of unity and tradition.
As a token of appreciation, the Organising Committee of the 18th Lt. LD Kazi Memorial Gold Cup, Family of Lt. LD Kazi, and CRWA Raigoan presented souvenirs to the Chief Guest and Guest of Honor.
Following the conclusion of the “Chakung Run” Half Marathon, the Chief Guest presented the prizes to the winners across various categories. Awards were distributed for the 21-kilometre, 10-kilometre, and 5-kilometre races, with separate divisions for both men’s and women’s participants. The event saw enthusiastic participation from runners of diverse age groups, reflecting the growing interest in fitness and sports among the youth of Sikkim.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions to society, the Chief Guest also presented Letters of Appreciation to Mr Premius Bhutia, a noted social activist, and Ms Phurba Tamang. Their dedication and service to the community were acknowledged and applauded by all present at the event.
The final match of the 18th Lt. LD Kazi Memorial Gold Cup Football Tournament, 2025, was played between Singling SC (Soreng) vs Yangthang United (Gyalshing), where Singling SC (Soreng) emerged victorious with a total of two goals, defeating Yangthang United, who scored one goal. Prakash Darjee (Singling SC, Soreng) was declared the Man of the Match, and the Highest scorer was given to Dilli Ram Sanyasi (Red Panda, Namchi), along with the Best Goalkeeper to Wilson Sherpa (Singling SC, Soreng). Further, Roshan Subba (Singling SC, Soreng) was declared the Player of the Tournament.
