Peren, March 17 (MExN): With the condition of the indoor badminton stadium at Tening Town deteriorating significantly, Ningting Society of Tening Town (organiser of yearly Ningting Cham Peren District Badminton Tournament) has taken up the initiative of repairing the stadium once again with voluntary contributions from well-wishers financially, physically, and materially in consultation with ADC Tening. According to a press release from Raithu Newmai, Chairman, Ningting Society, the condition of the stadium – one of the oldest indoor stadiums in Nagaland – is such that it is almost impossible to use it for playing badminton. Newmai remembered fondly that the stadium has served as epicenter for entertainment, social gathering, meetings, concerts and most of all, an oasis for badminton lovers in Tening for more than three decades now. “However, ageing has taken toll with significant wear and tear becoming visible as the years go by.” The objective of the initiative, the release said, was to remove the entire wooden floor of the stadium and replace it with a complete set of new wood, paint the entire inner wall and provide lighting facility which was non-existent. Funds for the same were raised through selling of oranges on Republic Day 2017, organising fete day, appeal for contributions from all well-wishers verbally and through social media. The society roughly estimated an amount of Rs. 1 lakh to accomplish the objective of the project, unfortunately, only around Rs. 50,000 could be raised, it mentioned. Still, the society decided to go ahead with the initiative and work is in progress now. In the meantime, financial contributions are still coming in, it was informed. “Contributions range from Rs. 100 to Rs. 10,000 with donors for paint materials and lighting equipments too, not forgetting the daily volunteers working at site sacrificing their time and energy,” Newmai added. Expressing great joy to see many people coming forward to help for such cause of public welfare, Ningting Society has acknowledged all donors and volunteers and wished to see that “the stadium will proudly see the light of the day with sturdy wooden floor, fresh paint and lighting as well.” The society further appealed to the department concerned not to let any individual or group claim bills against the works done through the voluntary contributions, “instead the department concerned may like to introspect as to why such initiative has to be taken up by the public.”