The 1st Sikkim Cross Country Run, organized by the Sikkim Athletics Association, concluded at Khel Gaon, Resithang, on Sunday, marking a significant step in promoting endurance sports in the region. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from across Sikkim and North Bengal, with a total of 46 teams competing in a spirited display of athleticism and teamwork. Featuring two categories—10 km men and 10 km women—the competition underscored the essence of cross-country running as a team-based sport.
The race was ceremonially flagged off by Sanjeet Kharel, MLA cum Advisor, Power Department, who is also the patron of Sikkim Athletic Association; Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, Secretary, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department and Department of Personnel; and Kuber Bhandari, President, Sikkim Olympic Association. In the Men’s 10 km category, Ex-Gorkha Army clinched the top position, delivering a commanding performance. Kalimpong United and Khelo India Small Centre of Excellence, Gyalshing, secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively.
In the Women’s 10 km category, Kalimpong United emerged victorious, while Bright Future Academy, Resithang, and Himalayan Runners finished in second and third place, respectively. In the individual male 10k category, the Ex-Gorkha Army men did a clean sweep, with Bikram Pradhan securing first, Saroj Kumar securing second, and Man Bahadur Chhetry securing third positions, while in the female individual 10k category, Kalimpong United did a clean sweep, with Priya Tamang, Tejaswini Lambakane, and Bandana Subba securing the top three positions, respectively.