Namchi, 10 June The 3rd Namchi District Inter-Department Football Tournament 2026, organised by the Sports & Youth Affairs Department in collaboration with the DAC Namchi, officially commenced today at Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi District.
The event was graced by DC Namchi Anupa Tamling as the Chief Guest, and Sr.SP Namchi Sonam D. Bhutia as the Special Guest. The tournament was formally declared open by the DC Namchi, who also performed ceremonial kick-off, marking the inauguration of the sporting event.
Deputy Director Sports & Youth Affairs Department Basant Pradhan, addressed the gathering and informed that a total of 20 teams from various government departments will be participating in the tournament.
He further stated that the competition will be conducted in a league-cum-knockout format, with the participating teams divided into four pools, each consisting of five teams. Additionally, he informed that teams winning their respective matches will be awarded three points during the league stage.
Based on their performance, teams will qualify for the quarter-finals scheduled for 22 June, followed by the semi-finals on 23 June and the final on 25 June.
In his concluding remarks, he encouraged all participants to give their best on the field and uphold the spirit of fair play, discipline, and mutual respect and extended his best wishes to all the teams for a successful and enjoyable tournament.
The opening day of the tournament witnessed three exciting league matches. The first match was played between the Police Department and LR & DM, followed by a contest between the Rural Development Department (RDD) and the Horticulture & Agriculture Department. The final match of the day featured the Education Department against the Building & Housing Department.
The Police Department emerged victorious in the opening fixture with a 4–2 win over LR & DM. In the second match, RDD secured a convincing 3–0 victory against the Horticulture & Agriculture Department, while the Education Department registered a 2–1 win over the Building & Housing Department in the final match of the day.
The tournament commenced on an energetic note, all three matches were played in a spirited and competitive atmosphere, with the participating teams displaying commendable teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship on the field.
Among those present at the event were, ADC (HQ) Namchi Subash Ghimiery, ASP Namchi Mani Kumar Tamang, ADC Development (RDD Namchi) Dr CP Rai, SDM (HQ) Namchi Nim Pintso Bhutia, SDM Namchi Wangyal Sherpa, Additional Director Sports and Youth Affairs Department Tshering Ongmu Bhutia, DPO (DDMA) Suraj Rai, HoOs from various Departments and staff members of Sports and Youth Affairs Department.
