Hoping for a Better Future and Equality: Sekmuri Beldangi Sports Festival 2025 Grandly Inaugurated
Beldangi, Jhapa – November 3, 2025:
The Sekmuri Beldangi Sports Festival 2025, themed “Samanta ko Aasha, Khelkud ko Bhasa” (Hope for Equality, the Language of Sports), was inaugurated today at the Beldangi Football Ground. The week-long festival celebrates sports, culture, and community solidarity while aiming to provide hope and equality for Bhutanese refugees in Beldangi. Organized by the Beldangi Settlement Management Committee with the support of local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and sponsored by Sekmuri Club USA, the event runs from November 3 to 19, 2025.
The opening day started at 7:00 AM with a Mini Marathon for children and a Marathon for women, highlighting sports as a universal language capable of bridging age, gender, and social differences. The official inauguration ceremony began at 9:00 AM with community leaders, athletes, teachers, parents, and invited guests in attendance.
The ceremony was chaired by Mr. Sancha Hang Subba, Secretary of the Beldangi settlement, while the chief guest was Mr. Jaya Bahadur Shrestha, Provincial Coordinator of the Nepal Human Rights Organization.
During the inauguration, Mr. Shrestha lit the ceremonial lamp and performed a floral tribute at the statue of the late Jaya Humagai, honoring past struggles and inspiring hope for the future. He recalled the challenges faced by Bhutanese refugees in the 1990s, highlighting the community’s resilience, courage, and unity.
Mr. Shrestha emphasized the global value of sports, stating: “Games and sports carry more value than politics or governments. Many countries’ prime ministers may not be widely known, but the names of their athletes are recognized and celebrated worldwide.” He highlighted how sports can connect communities across borders and inspire future generations.
The presence of Sekmuri Club USA as a sponsor added extra importance to the event, demonstrating international support and solidarity with Bhutanese refugees. Organizers honored all members of Sekmuri Club USA with garlands, expressing gratitude for their contribution and reinforcing the spirit of partnership and global community.
The chairperson, Mr. Sancha Hang Subba, also extended thanks to athletes, volunteers, parents, and guests, emphasizing that the festival’s success is due to the dedication and cooperation of the entire community. “The spirit of hope, equality, and sportsmanship displayed here embodies the true essence of ‘Samanta ko Aasha, Khelkud ko Bhasa,’” he said.
Sports and Activities at the Festival
The festival features a wide variety of sports and recreational events catering to all ages and skill levels, including:
- Football
- Volleyball
- Badminton
- Carrom Board
- Ludo
- Arm Wrestling
- Slow Bike Races
- Marathons for children and women
- And many more competitive and fun activities
By including team sports and traditional games, the festival ensures that everyone can participate, enjoy, and feel included, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and community cohesion.
This festival holds special importance for the Bhutanese refugee community in Beldangi, many of whom were displaced in the 1990s. Events like this celebrate resilience, achievement, and unity while providing a platform for intergenerational bonding, storytelling, and cultural preservation.
The ceremonial events, including the lamp lighting and tribute to Jaya Humagai, serve as a reminder of the community’s journey and struggles, encouraging hope, optimism, and equality.
Youth engagement is central to the festival’s mission. Children and young adults gain confidence, leadership skills, and teamwork experience, while young women gain visibility and empowerment. Parents, teachers, and volunteers ensure a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all participants.
The organizers carefully managed logistics, medical support, and ceremonies, ensuring a smooth and safe festival. Coordination between the Beldangi Settlement Management Committee, local CBOs, and international sponsors allowed the festival to run seamlessly and inclusively.
Awards honor both winners and participants who demonstrate dedication, effort, and sportsmanship. The range of sports ensures that every participant, regardless of age or skill, can enjoy the spirit of competition and camaraderie.
Conclusion
The Sekmuri Beldangi Sports Festival 2025 is more than just an athletic event; it is a celebration of resilience, hope, equality, and unity. The festival emphasizes that sports can build bridges, inspire communities, and foster hope for the future. International sponsorship and recognition, like that from Sekmuri Club USA, highlight the global significance and support for the Bhutanese refugee community. The message is clear: sports are the language of equality, hope, and a brighter future, locally and globally.