Sikkim minister meets Gautam Gambhir, plans to make state a sports hub

Guwahati: Sikkim Tourism Minister Tshering T Bhutia recently met the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team Gautam Gambhir and had a deliberation on the potential of making the state a sporting hub.

The minister met Gambhir in the national capital on Wednesday (September 4, 2024) to discuss the matter.

Bhutia said the Himalayan state has the potentiality in becoming a leading and important destination for sports tourism and other related activities.

The minister asserted the Northeastern state has natural beauty in abundance and a favourable environment for various sports and sporting activities.

During the discussion, the former Indian left-handed opening batsman assured to support the development of sports across the country.  

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Sikkim has produced sportspersons like Bhaichung Bhutia, the former professional footballer who played as a striker for the Indian national team.

Bhutia is considered as the torchbearer of Indian football in the international arena who is often nicknamed the Sikkimese Sniper due to his shooting skills in game.

The state has also produced Lako Phuti Bhutia, a woman footballer who plays for the Shirsh Bihar United and the Indian women’s national football team.

Another distinguished sportsperson of Sikkim is three-time Olympian archer Tarundeep Rai.

Rai won a gold medal in the mixed team event at the 2022 Antalya World Cup. He was conferred with Padma Shri award in 2021.