ITANAGAR, Aug 14: The Independence Day Lok Bhavan Games and Sports Competition, which commenced on 10th August and concluded on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, featured events such as badminton, table tennis, tug-of-war, and Pickle ball, a fast-growing racket sport introduced by the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen KT Parnaik, PVSM, UYSM, YSM (Retd.), at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar 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, organized the Independence Day Lok Bhavan Games and Sports Competition at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar. The event was conducted under the inspiring 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 Lok Bhavan and attached departments. Motivating the participants, the Governor emphasized 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 Organizer of the Independence Day Lok Bhavan Games and Sports Competition, Shri Anand Pait, Finance & Account Officer, Governor Secretariat informed that more than hundred players including women of Lok Bhavan and various attached departments enthusiastically, participated in the competition.

In the Pickleball Doubles (Above 45 Years) category, Second-in-Command Ramesh Chand and Subedar Karn Singh Shekhawat emerged as winners, while Lt. Gen. K.T. Parnaik and Subedar Chob Singh secured the runners-up position. In the Pickleball Doubles (Under 45 Years) category, Major Satyam Pant and Shri Duyu Nabin clinched the title, with Shri Bhawani Singh and Md. Khaliq of Team ITBP finished as runners-up.

In the Badminton Doubles (Above 45 Years) category, Shri Pawan Kumar Sain and Shri Samuel Changkija emerged as winners, while Subedar Karn Singh Shekhawat and Shri Kumar Rai secured the runners-up position. In the Badminton Doubles (Under 45 Years) category, Shri Pradeep Bisht and Shri Sunil Kujur claimed the title, with Shri Tati Pabin and Shri Tana Boji finishing as runners-up. In the Mixed Doubles event, Dr. Jennifer Tayeng and Major Satyam Pant were declared winners, while Smt. Yumme Taipodia Takam and Shri 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), Governor’s Security Cell, and Governor’s Secretariat.

In Table Tennis, Shri Ajoy Kumar Gupta won the championship, while Shri Anand Pait finished as the runner-up.

The winners and runners-up will be felicitated by the Governor during the Independence Day celebrations at Lok Bhavan on 15th August 2026. (PRO to Governor)