KDBA Free Badminton Coaching under way
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 5
The Kohima District Badminton Association (KDBA) recently began its free coaching camp from June 19 to train the interested players for the upcoming Inter-District Badminton Championship to be held from July 11 to 14 at Chumoukedima.
But for the three decade old Association, the free coaching camp has been an annual affair which has trained many young players. The free coaching, for the KDBA, is about giving back to the game for the love of the game.
“In our own capacity, the clubs and well wishers pool in money and resources to help enhance their skills,” says Solo mentioning the major necessity at the moment are shuttlecocks and rackets.
The coaching opened to all in Kohima and held every day from 2.30 pm till 5 pm provided intense badminton training by two professional coaches, Alivoker Aier and I. Temjen Ao. The selection for the tournament was also conducted on June 30 where 30 players were selected to participate in the Inter-District Tournament. Rigorous training began after the selection which resumed on July 3.
“Badminton is an all weather-game, you can play it throughout the year. More importantly it has health benefits,” says KDBA President Vilar Solo. And like any other sports, the game is often a medium to build new relationships and networking.
“Our society is so focused on academics that sometimes the talents and skills of the young, and the avenues sports provide are not realised,” says Honorary Secretary, Neitho Khamo.
Here the Association mentions that four badminton players under KDBA were inducted into the Accountant General office through sports quota. Further, this year a KDBA badminton player also represented India in the Chinese-Taipei Open 2017.
Ekumyala, one of the six female players undergoing coaching mentions that despite the low participation of women in the sport, it is a good experience for her “because i am playing against the men.” Ekumyala has been undertaking coaching provided by the KDBA since 1999 where she went on representing Nagaland in the Regional, Zonal and National level.
The vision and objective of the Kohima District Badminton Association is to promote badminton among the young instead of wasting the youth on inactive and unhealthy activities. Especially between the age of 8 and 10, we want to catch them young, adds Khamo. With most youngsters and even adults in Naga society today confined to cyber spaces, the Association hopes to promote a healthier lifestyle and at the same time produce professional players in Nagaland.
Further, the KDBA will be initiating another free coaching camp in October. It has invited any individual, community, ward or village interested in badminton to contact them for free coaching.
Enhancing the skills of the players however remains limited due to lack of infrastructures and facilities as there are only two badminton stadium in Kohima. It may also be put to the notice of the concerned authorities that the Badminton stadium at Officers’ Hill is currently in a dilapidated condition with no major repair works or maintenance for a long time. It is the clubs and individuals who have been contributing for the maintenance of the stadium.
Back in the day, Badminton was a game played in one’s front yard, backyard, compounds or open roads in many localities in Kohima. However with the sprawling urban areas, compact localities, unplanned city structures, and the lack of parks and sports arenas, many citizens today are confined indoors, with the game only reserved for the privileged few who can afford the infrastructure, facility and space. The sport however has gained popularity in recent years, and with the various sports schemes provided by the GoI for the development of sports in all the states, hopefully citizens and young talented players will get to resume the much loved game in the State again.
New tenure of the Kohima District Badminton Association (KDBA)New tenure of the Kohima District Badminton Association (KDBA)
President : Vilar Solo Vice Presidents: Kethoneituo Seyie Amardeep Gurung Temjen Myingthungo
Honorary Secretary: Neitho Khamo Honorary Treasurer: Zhabou
Executive members: One member each from 1. Dawn Club 2. Sunrise Club 3. Afternoon Club 4. Evening Club 5. Crescent Club 6. Bayavii Club 7. High School Club 8. Angami Sports Association 9. Rengma Sports Association 10. Kewhimia Badminton Club
