Sikkim CM Inaugurates Youth Hostel with Gym and Renovated Public Ground in Mangan

On September 24, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang inaugurated the newly constructed Youth Hostel-cum-Gym and the upgraded Mangan Public Ground, marking a significant milestone in strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting youth engagement in North Sikkim. The inauguration highlights the state government’s commitment to encouraging sports, physical fitness, and the holistic development of young people across the region. The development of these facilities aims to provide athletes and youth with modern, well-equipped venues to enhance their training, skill-building, and overall participation in sporting activities.

The inauguration ceremony saw a warm welcome for the Chief Minister from key officials, including Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Raju Basnet, Minister-cum-Area MLA Samdup Lepcha, Minister for Forest and Environment Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, and Minister for Ecclesiastical and Public Health Engineering Sonam Lama. The event was also attended by senior government officials, advisors, local athletes, and youth representatives. The ceremony began with a ceremonial guard of honor and the unveiling of the new facilities.

During the formal inauguration of the Youth Hostel-cum-Gym, Chief Minister Tamang unveiled the plaque and conducted an inspection of the state-of-the-art amenities. Built over a plinth area of 249 square meters, the hostel accommodates 60 beds, equally divided between boys and girls. The facility is equipped with a common dining hall, kitchen, office unit, two spacious gym halls, warden rooms, toilets, and washrooms. The first floor includes instructor rooms, an equipment room, bathrooms, and changing facilities. Each gym hall measures 17.5 meters by 14.7 meters, providing ample space for fitness training, sports activities, and physical education programs. The hostel is designed to foster a conducive environment for both residential living and athletic development.

Following the hostel inauguration, the Chief Minister proceeded to the upgraded Mangan Public Ground, symbolically kicking off a football to mark its reopening. The refurbished venue now features enhanced infrastructure with seating for approximately 4,000 spectators, spread across a stadium gallery, pavilion seating, and western and hillside galleries. The football ground has been renovated to meet 11-a-side tournament standards, with dimensions of 100 meters by 59 meters and a total ground size of 107 meters by 64 meters. Additionally, the public ground features new approach roads and a modern drainage system to ensure durability and functionality for large-scale sporting events.

In his address, Chief Minister Tamang encouraged athletes to make full use of the new facilities and emphasized the state government’s dedication to promoting youth development and sporting excellence. He highlighted that investments in sports infrastructure and youth-oriented projects are part of the government’s broader vision of fostering a healthier, active, and dynamic society. The inauguration reflects the government’s efforts to provide world-class facilities to nurture talent, encourage participation, and enhance community engagement in sports.

The event concluded with group photographs of the Chief Minister, dignitaries, and young athletes, followed by light refreshments. Following the ceremony, the Chief Minister proceeded to the District Hospital for his next scheduled program, demonstrating his commitment to public service and continued engagement with community initiatives.

Overall, the inauguration of the Youth Hostel-cum-Gym and the upgraded Mangan Public Ground represents a major step in Sikkim’s focus on youth empowerment, sports promotion, and community development, providing modern facilities that align with the state government’s vision of creating a vibrant and active society.