KalimNews, March 16, 2025, Kalimpong : The Late K.B. Chhetri Gold Cup Invitational All India Hockey Tournament 2025, held at Bharat Chhetri Hockey Academy in Kalimpong, has set a new benchmark in the history of sports in the Darjeeling Hills. The prestigious tournament, marking its first edition, brought together 20 teams from across India, including participants from Punjab, Manipur, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Tripura, Kolkata, and GTA. The four-day event, which commenced on March 13, concluded on March 16 with a remarkable display of talent and sportsmanship.
In the Under-17 Girls’ final, Prayagraj UP triumphed over RK Roy Hockey Academy Patna with a narrow 1-0 victory, while in the Under-14 Boys’ final, RK Roy Hockey Academy Patna claimed a dominant 6-2 win over Bongaigaon Sports Academy Assam. The winners and runners-up in both categories were presented with trophies, cash prizes, and tokens of appreciation by the distinguished guests.
The event also featured third-place matches in the Under-14 Boys and Under-17 Girls’ categories, where Kushida High School Malda faced Bharat Chhetri Hockey Academy (BCHA), with BCHA securing third place in both categories. The Chief Guest for the event was Anit Thapa, Chief Executive Officer of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). Notable figures in attendance included former Indian hockey captain and Padma Shri awardee Dhanraj Pillay, current coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey team Harinder Singh, Kalimpong Sub-Divisional Officer Suman Majumdar, former national football player Kharga Basnet, Director of Cinchona and Other Medicinal Plants Dr. Samuel Rai, and several other prominent personalities including GTA Sabha members Kamal Subba, Senora Namchu, Dawa Tenji Sherpa, and many others.
The success of the event is a testament to the vision of Olympian Bharat Chhetri, who, along with Anit Thapa, worked towards creating a hockey academy and stadium in the region. This vision is gradually becoming a reality with the ongoing construction of the first-ever hockey stadium in Kalimpong at 16th Mile. Once completed, the facility will offer world-class infrastructure for training and competitions at national and international levels.
Anit Thapa expressed immense pride in witnessing the completion of this milestone event, emphasizing how the tournament was not just a celebration of hockey but also a manifestation of the region’s commitment to empowering youth through sports. Thapa lauded Bharat Chhetri’s relentless dedication to hockey, which has led to his remarkable achievements in the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Hockey World Cup. Thapa also expressed confidence that with continued support, the region’s young athletes will soon make their mark on the global stage.
“This is just the beginning of a new era for hockey in the Darjeeling Hills. With the right support and training, our youth will soon bring national and international glory to our region,” Thapa said, expressing confidence in the future of local athletes.
He also extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the participating teams, the organizing committee, and everyone who contributed to making this historic event a reality.
During the event, Dhanraj Pillay and Harinder Singh were honored with certificates of appreciation, Dhaka caps, and gifts from the organizing committee. IDBI Bank’s Regional Manager Nikunj Bharti also presented a ₹3 lakh check to the organizing committee, further bolstering the future of sports in the region.
“This is just the beginning of a new era for hockey in the Darjeeling Hills. With the right support and training, our youth will soon bring national and international glory to our region,” Thapa remarked. He also extended heartfelt congratulations to all the participating teams, the organizing committee, and everyone involved in making the tournament a success.
Bharat Chhetri, the main patron of the academy, has been instrumental in the revival of hockey in Kalimpong. He initiated the construction of the Bharat Chhetri Hockey Academy in 2023 with support from the GTA. The academy, located on a 60-decimal plot of land donated by Chhetri in memory of his late father, is nearing completion. The facility will feature two state-of-the-art turf fields, each measuring 130 meters by 80 meters, where the tournament matches were held.
As the region continues to embrace sports, the K.B. Chhetri Gold Cup Invitational Hockey Tournament 2025 stands as a symbol of the growing commitment to nurturing future champions and providing opportunities for young athletes to shine on the national and international stages.
