Pakyong, March 3: The Rural Development Department emerged champions of the 1st Inter-Department Cricket Tournament organised by the Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) after defeating the Commerce and Industries Department by seven wickets in the final played at the Sikkim Cricket Ground in Rangpo. The victory marked a memorable conclusion to the tournament's inaugural edition, which brought together government departments and public sector undertakings in the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork.
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| Rural Development Department celebrates after winning the 1st Inter-Department Cricket Tournament at Sikkim Cricket Ground, Rangpo. (Image: DIO Pakyong) |
The championship match, originally scheduled for March 1, had to be postponed because of inclement weather. However, when play resumed, the Rural Development Department produced an impressive all-round performance to comfortably chase down the target and lift the prestigious title.
The final match was attended by MLA of Namthang Rateypani, Sanjeet Kharel, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Rural Development and Cooperation Minister Arun Upreti, senior government officials, players, and cricket enthusiasts. The dignitaries congratulated both finalists for displaying exemplary sportsmanship and competitive spirit throughout the tournament.
The tournament also recognised outstanding individual performances. Binod Chettri of the Rural Development Department was named Player of the Final for his match-winning contribution. Pempa Tamang of the Commerce and Industries Department, who consistently excelled throughout the competition, received the Player of the Tournament award. Tamang also finished as the tournament's Highest Scorer, underlining his batting prowess across multiple matches.
In the bowling department, Pranil Pradhan of the Rural Development Department claimed the distinction of Highest Wicket-Taker, playing a crucial role in his team's successful campaign with consistent performances throughout the tournament.
The champions were awarded a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, while the runners-up received ₹5 lakh. The prize money was sponsored by the State Bank of Sikkim (SBS), whose support added further prestige to the competition and encouraged participation from various government institutions.
A total of 28 government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs) participated in the tournament, making it one of the largest inter-department sporting events organised in the state. The competition was launched with the objective of fostering camaraderie, teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition among government employees while promoting cricket as a means of encouraging physical fitness and employee well-being.
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Officials from the Sikkim Cricket Association noted that the tournament received an overwhelming response from participating departments and generated significant enthusiasm among players and spectators alike. They expressed hope that the Inter-Department Cricket Tournament would become an annual sporting fixture, providing government employees with opportunities to strengthen professional relationships through sports while nurturing a vibrant sporting culture within the state's administrative system.
The successful completion of the inaugural tournament highlights the growing popularity of cricket in Sikkim and reflects the government's continued emphasis on promoting sports and recreational activities across all sections of society. Organisers said future editions are expected to witness even greater participation and competition as more departments come together to celebrate the values of teamwork, discipline, and excellence through sport.
