ITANAGAR, 14 Aug: The Independence Day Lok Bhavan Games and Sports Competitions, which commenced on 10 August and concluded on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, featured events such as badminton, table tennis, tug of war, and pickleball. The competitions were held at the Lok Bhavan here to promote active living and recreational fitness.
With the objective of encouraging a culture of health, fitness, and teamwork, the governor's secretariat, under the leadership of the commissioner to the governor, organised the Independence Day Lok Bhavan Games and Sports Competitions.
The event was conducted under the theme 'Physically Strong, Mentally Awake, Morally Straight', reflecting the governor's vision of nurturing individuals who are healthy in body, alert in mind, and guided by strong moral values.
The governor actively participated in the sporting activities alongside officers and staff of the Lok Bhavan and attached departments. Motivating the participants, he emphasised that physical fitness is not merely a personal pursuit but a vital component of a disciplined and productive life.
He noted that sports cultivate perseverance, teamwork, leadership, and integrity while helping individuals remain physically robust and mentally agile.
The enthusiastic participation of officials and staff reflected the growing awareness of healthy lifestyles and collective well-being.
Chief organiser of the competitions, Governor's Secretariat Finance & Account Officer Anand Pait, informed that more than a hundred players, including women of the Lok Bhavan and various attached departments, enthusiastically participated in the competitions.
In the pickleball doubles (above 45 years) category, Second-in-Command Ramesh Chand and Subedar Karn Singh Shekhawat emerged the winners, while Governor Parnaik and Subedar Chob Singh secured the runners-up position.
In the pickleball doubles (under 45 years) category, Major Satyam Pant and Duyu Nabin clinched the title, with Bhawani Singh and Md Khaliq of Team ITBP finishing as runners-up.
In the badminton doubles (above 45 years) category, Pawan Kumar Sain and Samuel Changkija emerged winners, while Subedar Karn Singh Shekhawat and Kumar Rai secured the runners-up position.
In the badminton doubles (under 45 years) category, Pradeep Bisht and Sunil Kujur claimed the title, with Tati Pabin and Tana Boji finishing as runners-up.
In the mixed doubles event, Dr Jennifer Tayeng and Major Satyam Pant were declared winners, while Yumme Taipodia Takam and Ajoy Kumar Gupta secured the runners-up position.
In the tug of war competition, Team Lok Bhavan Household emerged victorious in a closely contested event that also featured teams from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the governor's security cell, and the governor's secretariat.
In table tennis, Ajoy Kumar Gupta won the championship, while Anand Pait finished as the runner-up.
The winners and runners-up will be felicitated by the governor during the Independence Day celebrations at the Lok Bhavan on 15 August. (Lok Bhavan)
