The First Darjeeling Open Badminton Championship 2025, organised by the Young Shuttlers of Darjeeling (YSD), concluded at the historic Gymkhana Hall after four days of competition from October 30 to November 2.
The tournament marked a significant milestone in Darjeeling’s sporting history, introducing automatic digital scoring technology and live streaming of matches for the first time in the region. The event supported by GTA attracted widespread attention for its professional organisation and modern execution.
International recognition came with the participation of Prince Dahal, Nepal’s badminton prodigy, who became World Junior No. 1 in 2022 and represented Nepal at the 2024 Paris Olympics — the first Nepali shuttler to achieve the feat. Dahal’s presence added global prestige to the championship and served as an inspiration to aspiring players from the hills. During the event, he shared his journey from training in Darchula, a remote district in western Nepal, to competing at the Olympics, emphasising discipline, humility, and perseverance.
The championship was inaugurated by GTA Chairman Mr. Anjul Chowhan and SDO Mr. Richard Lepcha, and concluded under the leadership of GTA Chief Executive Mr. Anit Thapa, whose guidance and support were pivotal to the event’s success. Distinguished attendees included Mr. Jacob Khaling Rai, President of the Sikkim Badminton Association; Mr. Vikram Rai, Founder of VikRun Foundation and Mero Darjeeling; Mr. Samden Dukpa, Executive Director, GTA; Mr. Mingma Sherpa, Founder of Dekho Darjeeling and Rimbick Fresh; and Mr. Dipen Thakuri, Chairman of the Darjeeling Municipality.
The championship delivered four days of intense competition, highlighted by high-energy rallies, precise digital scoring, and live broadcasts watched by audiences beyond Darjeeling. In his address, Mr. Anit Thapa commended the organisers for setting a “new benchmark” in hosting world-class sporting events in the hills.
The success of the First Darjeeling Open Badminton Championship 2025 reflects the growing spirit of sporting innovation and collaboration in the region. With the leadership of YSD and the inspiration of athletes like Prince Dahal, Darjeeling has taken a decisive step toward establishing itself as a hub for competitive badminton.
