Winners with organisers and others during 1st Asteri Table Tennis Championship 2025 in Kohima.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 15
The 1st Asteri Table Tennis Championship 2025 was held from June 13 to 14 at Indoor TT Stadium, Kohima under the aegis of Kohima Table Tennis Association.
The event brought together top talents and passionate players from across Nagaland and beyond in a celebration of unity, competition and the spirit of the sport.
The championship featured a Team Event with 10 teams, each consisting of 5 players. In a unique and inclusive twist, teams were formed through a lottery - based tier system, ensuring a balanced mix of players across Tier 1 to Tier 4, alongside a designated team captain. This method ensured that each match was evenly matched and fiercely competitive, as players faced off against others of similar skill levels -making every game a thrilling battle.
The UTT format-used in India’s top-level table tennis league-as adopted for all team matches.
In the Open Doubles, 18 pairs battled it out in a thrilling knockout contest, while the 50+ Doubles saw participation from 5 experienced pairs, emphasizing that the love for table tennis knows no age.
The curtain closer was graced by Dziesengulie Rio, Development Officer (NKVIB) and Shilurenem Longkumer, Extension Officer (Dept. of Sericulture).
Both praised the growing table tennis movement in Nagaland and commended Asteri for uniting players under a shared vision.
The championship was made possible through the generous support of PIPI Traders and Asian Traders.
Results:
Team Event Champions
Circle of Champions : Captain: James Liezietsu. Tier 1: N. Imomcha Singh (Manipur), Tier 2: Theja, Tier 3: Kenietheja, Tier 4: Kekuoselie
Runners-Up
Ping Pong Legends: Captain: Bendang, Tier 1: Alberto LR Ruata (Mizoram), Tier 2: Achamo, Tier 3: Zelhouneinuo Rame, Tier 4: Er. Vikheto
Open Doubles Champions: Lipoktoshi Longkumer & Victor Joy Ezung
Runners-Up: N. Imomcha Singh & Thejavinuo Rio
50+ Doubles Champions: Dr. Jutsutho Phoji & Victor Joy Ezung
Runners-Up: James Liezietsu & Vincent Belho
