Kohima, July 27 (MExN): The Yonex Sunrise 40th Nagaland Inter district and State Open Badminton Championship got underway here at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Kohima today with Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, as chief guest at the inaugural. Organised by the Nagaland Badminton Association, the Yonex Sunrise Championship is being hosted by the Kohima District Badminton Association. Altogether, 360 players – including 30 women players – from Mon, Tuensang, Peren, Kohima, Dimapur, Phek, Zunheboto, Mokokchung, and Wokha will be participating in the Championship. The primary objective of the NBA in conducting annual inter district tournaments is to provide a platform for the athletes to showcase their talents and discover talents among the players from various participating districts. “From the inception of the Nagaland Badminton Association in 1976, the sport has gained huge popularity in the State. It has evolved from a backyard sport to a permanent sporting event of the State. Badminton has now become one of the most popular competitive sports in the state next to football and Naga Wrestling,” stated Y. Vikheho Swu, President, Nagaland Badminton Association (NBA) in his presidential address where he highlighted the tremendous increase in the participation of athletes in all categories from all the districts. Swu also informed that the NBA has penned a MoU with the Department of Youth Resource and Sports for independent management of Badminton stadiums and multipurpose halls in the state. These stadiums and multipurpose halls will be looked after by the respective District Badminton Association for effective management. Chief guest Dr. Kire expressed disappointment over the lack of support and acknowledgment from the people when Naga boys and girls participate outside in the national and international level and comes home with awards. “We fail to acknowledge them,” admitted Kire who noted that it is not the sole responsibility of YR & S Department or government to give them credit and recognition but that the rest in the State must support the players by giving them credit. During the inaugural, prayer was invoked by Rev. Moa Longchar, Sr Pastor, Baptist Mission Church, Kohima while the welcome address was delivered by Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Rtd), President Kohima District Badminton Association. An exhibition doubles match between Vikheho Swu and Shetoyi, and Yitachu and Neiba Kronu was also held.
