10/04/2026
Historic Achievement for the Darjeeling Hills – A Moment of Pride
In a landmark moment that will be remembered in the sporting history of the Darjeeling hills, Manish Chettri, a renowned badminton player and dedicated coach from the region, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by becoming the only individual from Darjeeling to qualify for the prestigious Coach Development Programme conducted by the Badminton Association of India (BAI).
This remarkable accomplishment is not just a personal success but a lifetime achievement that brings immense pride to the entire Darjeeling Gorkha community. It reflects years of relentless dedication, discipline, and passion towards the development of badminton in the hills—often overcoming infrastructural and resource limitations.
The Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Badminton Association has played a crucial and commendable role in this historic journey. Their vision, support, and timely nomination of Manish Chettri to the State Association paved the way for this prestigious opportunity. This highlights the Association’s commitment towards nurturing talent and promoting sports excellence in the region.
Manish Chettri’s selection stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes and coaches across the hills, proving that with determination and the right support system, national-level recognition is achievable even from remote regions.
This achievement is not just an individual milestone—it is a collective victory for Darjeeling, marking the beginning of a new era in sports development, especially in badminton. It reinforces the belief that the hills possess immense untapped potential, waiting to shine on national and international platforms.
Indeed, this is a historic and proud moment for the entire Darjeeling hills—a legacy in the making.