Pakyong, Jan 18: Following the inauguration of the 1st Rhenock Sikkim Paragliding Accuracy Championship 2026, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay attended the Flying Festival and championship events at Rorathang, organised by the Rhenock Tourism Development Society (RTDS) in collaboration with the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.
 |
| Image Credit: DIO Pakyong |
The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Education, Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Raju Basnet; Agriculture, Horticulture, AH&VS and Fisheries Minister Puran Gurung; MLA-cum-Advisor Pamin Lepcha (Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare); MLA-cum-Advisor LB Das (IT and Land Revenue & Disaster Management); and Advisor to the Chief Minister Bishnu Kumar Khatiwada. Zilla Upadhyakshya Pakyong, chairpersons, heads of departments, officials from various line departments, and members of the public were also present.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the occasion as a historic milestone for the region and highlighted the growing potential of paragliding tourism in Sikkim. He lauded RTDS for its vision of promoting tourism-led development and extended best wishes for the organisation’s continued success.
Emphasising the importance of sports, the Chief Minister said sports play a vital role in building discipline, leadership, physical fitness and national pride. He noted that the state government is strengthening sports infrastructure, identifying young talent, and supporting sportspersons through the development of playgrounds, multipurpose stadiums and training centres across rural and urban areas.
Encouraging youth entrepreneurship, he urged young people to view enterprise as a pathway to self-reliance and economic growth. He highlighted initiatives such as the Sabbatical Leave Scheme for state government employees, allowing leave for education or entrepreneurship with 50 per cent basic pay for up to three years, as well as employment schemes like One Family, One Entrepreneur (OFOE) and the Chief Minister’s Self Employment Scheme (CMSES), which provide financial and institutional support to unemployed youth.
On tourism, the Chief Minister called upon local communities to explore homestays and eco-based tourism while preserving the area’s natural and cultural authenticity to attract visitors.
Earlier, RTDS President Binod Subba outlined the society’s vision and shared that paragliding was identified as a key tourism activity following detailed surveys. Paragliding Technical Head Arjun Rai presented technical reports and traced the growth of paragliding in Sikkim.
During the programme, Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana (SGAY) allotments were distributed to 21 beneficiaries. A camera was handed over to Milan Rai under the Janta Bhet Ghat programme, and Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant (CMDG) cheques were distributed. Land donors were also felicitated.
The event concluded with the distribution of trophies and certificates to the winners of the Paragliding Accuracy Championship 2026.
Solo Championship
• 1st: Sonam Ladakhe (Ladakh)
• 2nd: Yuvraj Sunar (Nepal)
• 3rd: Roshan Basnet (Nepal)
Team Championship
• 1st: Team Nepal
• 2nd: Barkala Team
• 3rd: Team Lachung
