Promotion of Indoor Gaming Facilities at Mahatma Gandhi University, Sikkim (MGU), Daramdin, Sikkim

Introduction
Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), located in Daramdin, is actively promoting sports and recreational facilities within its campus to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle among students and faculty members. The university believes that along with academic excellence, physical and mental well-being play a crucial role in overall personality development. To support this vision, MGU has developed various indoor game facilities that are easily accessible to the university community.
Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Sikkim, is actively promoting its state-of-the-art gaming facilities to foster a holistic learning environment for students and faculty. The university highlights Table Tennis as the flagship indoor game, alongside a variety of other facilities including Chess, Badminton, Carrom, and Foosball. These amenities, located in the dedicated indoor sports complex, are accessible round-the-clock and regularly maintained to encourage participation.

Key Indoor Gaming Facilities
MGU's indoor games cater to diverse interests and skill levels:
Game Facilities Available Key Features
Table Tennis 4 professional tables with lighting Rubber flooring, nets, paddles, balls
Chess 10 dedicated boards and sets Tournament-grade timers and seating
Badminton 2 full courts with markings High nets, shuttles, rackets provided
Others Carrom boards, Foosball tables Multi-player setups for groups
These facilities are equipped with modern ventilation, safety padding, and scoreboards to ensure an optimal playing experience.


Importance and Advantages of Indoor Games
Indoor games like Table Tennis, Chess, and Badminton play a vital role in the holistic development of students and faculty at MGU. They serve as essential stress-relievers in a demanding academic schedule, promoting mental sharpness and physical fitness without dependence on weather conditions.

Table Tennis, as the primary focus, enhances hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and agility—skills that translate to improved concentration in studies. Chess sharpens strategic thinking, patience, and problem-solving, fostering intellectual growth akin to a mental workout. Badminton builds endurance, teamwork, and cardiovascular health through quick movements and rallies.
The advantages are multifaceted:
Physical Benefits: Low-impact exercises reduce obesity risks, improve posture, and boost immunity, helping students and faculty maintain energy for long study hours.
Mental Benefits: Games alleviate anxiety, enhance focus, and build resilience; for instance, a Chess match teaches handling pressure, mirroring exam scenarios.
Social Benefits: They encourage inclusivity, breaking departmental silos and promoting friendships among diverse groups.
Academic Edge: Regular play correlates with better cognitive performance, as evidenced by studies showing gamers score higher in memory and multitasking tests.
By integrating these into daily routines, MGU nurtures well-rounded individuals ready for professional challenges.
Community Outreach: Involving Daramdin Village Students
MGU Sikkim extends its promotion efforts beyond campus by actively involving students from neighboring Daramdin village. Through the "Play for Progress" initiative, the university organizes weekly free coaching sessions and inter-village tournaments in Table Tennis and Badminton, held every Saturday at the indoor complex. Local students (aged 10-18) are invited via school partnerships with Daramdin Government Higher Secondary School, providing free transport and equipment.
Over the past six months, 150+ village students have participated, with 40% advancing to district-level competitions. Faculty mentors conduct skill-building workshops, emphasizing discipline and fair play. This outreach not only promotes indoor games but also strengthens community ties, aligning with MGU's vision of inclusive education and rural development under government schemes like Khelo India.

Conclusion and Recommendations
MGU's proactive promotion of indoor gaming facilities underscores its commitment to student welfare. To amplify impact, the university recommends annual intramural leagues, digital booking apps for facilities, and partnerships with Sikkim Sports Department for advanced training. Continued emphasis on Table Tennis will position MGU as a regional hub for indoor sports excellence.