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KalimNews, Kalimpong, March 14, 2025 : The first Grand Edition of the Late K.B. Chhetri Gold Cup Invitational All India Hockey Tournament 2025 began today at the Bharat Chhetri Hockey Academy’s sports grounds in Upper Payun, located near 16th Mile. This highly anticipated event marks a significant milestone in the growth of hockey in Kalimpong and serves as a platform for young players from across the country to showcase their skills.
A total of 18 teams from various states, including Punjab, Manipur, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Tripura, Calcutta, as well as Darjeeling and Kalimpong, are participating in this fast-paced five-a-side competition. Each team consists of one goalkeeper, four field players, and three substitutes. Each half of the match will last for 10 minutes. The tournament, which runs for four days, is a unique opportunity for local players to learn from athletes from other regions and gain exposure to national-level competition.
Olympian and former captain of the Indian hockey team, Bharat Chhetri, the chief patron of the Academy, expressed his vision for the tournament: to provide local children the chance to learn and grow by interacting with players from other parts of India. He also hopes that this event will inspire the emergence of top-tier hockey players from Kalimpong, who could bring national recognition to the region.
The tournament kicked off with matches for the Under-14 boys and Under-17 girls categories. The competition will continue tomorrow, and the final match is scheduled for March 16.
The event was graced by the presence of Kalimpong’s MLA, Ruden Sada Lepcha, as the chief guest. Other distinguished attendees included Polumati Sharanya, Additional Police Superintendent of Kalimpong District Police; Dawa Tenji Sherpa, Sabhasad of the GTA 37 constituency; Hemant Thulung Rai, Sabhasad of the GTA 42 constituency; Manonit Sabhasad Paul Simick; Bharat Chhetri’s mother, Parvati Chhetri; Sangey Chyom Bhutia, Sabhapati of Lava Panchayat Samity; Captain Prakash Mani Pradhan, Director of Rakbhel Academy; Jimmy Lepcha, National Archery Coach; Sebastin Pradhan; and Robin Sewa, Teacher-in-Charge of Pagang Gumba Higher Secondary School.
Chhetri, who has been at the forefront of reviving hockey in Kalimpong, initiated the construction of the Bharat Chhetri Hockey Academy in 2023 with the support of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). The academy, situated on a 60-decimal plot of land generously 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 are being played.
The organizing committee includes prominent members such as Dawa Tenji Sherpa, Miss Dhaka Devi Mangar, the Pradhan of Panchayat, and Mrs. Geeta Chhetri, a national hockey player, who will serve as the President. Other committee members include Working Presidents Navin Thapa and Pawan Tamang, Secretary Nadong Bhutia, a National Footballer, Joint Secretary Palden Tshering Tamang, and Treasurer K B Chhetri and Tshering T Bhutia.
This tournament is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing hockey in Kalimpong and providing young athletes, particularly from local schools, an opportunity to play at the national level. The initiative has received widespread support from the community, with many individuals from various sectors congratulating Chhetri and his team for their dedication to promoting hockey and fostering opportunities for young players.
As the tournament progresses, the community remains excited and hopeful for the event’s success, which is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of hockey in Kalimpong and inspire the next generation of athletes to pursue their dreams both on and off the field.
