Raju Bista to set up ‘Khelo India Excellence Centres’ in Darjeeling

PRASHANT ACHARYA, EOI, SILIGURI, FEBRUARY 17, 2023 : Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said on Friday he was keen to establish ‘Khelo India Excellence Centres' in the Darjeeling region, with special focus on football, table tennis, hockey, athletics, weight lifting, badminton and boxing.

Bista who attended during the day final match of the 16th Sukna Gold Cup at Sukna under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration near Siliguri said: “My dream is to establish 'Khelo India Excellence Centres' in our region.

”He witnessed a thrilling final match between the United Brothers Kalimpong and 58 Gorkha Training Centre, Shillong, and applauded the organizing committee, and the people of Sukna, who had made this possible. He said recently the daughter of Siliguri Richa Ghosh had got selected to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore in Women’s Premier League. 

“Our other daughter Anju Tamang is playing for the Indian National Team in football. In table tennis, Siliguri is a powerhouse, we have to nurture more youths. We will have to encourage them in sports.”

Bista said: “Healthy youths are vital for the development of our region and nation. Sports help to keep youths healthy and playa vital role in the development of our youths. More importantly, sports keeps youths away from drugs abuse and other social evils.”

Bista was joined by football icons Bhaichung Bhutia and Hamro Party President Ajoy Edwards in the even