Players in actions during the first day of the LIN-NING 44th Inter-District & State Open Badminton Championship in Longleng on August 23. (Inset) Minister for Health & Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom declares Championship open.
Live telecast system, court mats being used for first time
Longleng, August 23 (MExN): The LIN-NING 44th Inter-District & State Open Badminton Championship, a concurrent event of the Nagaland Olympic & Paralympic Games 2022 was inaugurated today in Longleng.
Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom inaugurated the championship, which has representatives from all the 16 districts of the state competing for the first time.
In addition, for the first time, court mats are being used as well as live telecast system, informed Dr Watizulu Suzumeren, Senior Vice President Nagaland Badminton Association (NBA) and Vice President Badminton Association of India (BAI).
As per a DIPR report, he further acknowledged the badminton stadium in Longleng as the best in the Nagaland with four courts and other facilities.
Dr Suzumeren also informed that 50 years of NBA will be held in Kohima in 2023.
Under the theme, “Empowering Peace Through Sports and Games: Connecting Communities,” the 2022 edition is being hosted by Longleng District Badminton Association (LDBA) under the aegis of NBA and sponsored by LI-NING Company (a Sportswear & Sports Equipment Company).
Beginning of development and progress of Longleng: Pangnyu
Meanwhile, lauding the LBDA and District Administration Longleng headed by the Deputy Commissioner (DC)and all others involved for the championship, special guest Pangnyu asserted that that the organising of such mega sports event mark the marks the beginning of development, progress and capabilities in all-round activities of the district.
He, however, acknowledged that lack of resources in many aspects have been discouraging many young talents from opting for sports.
Despite all these challenges, Pangnyu said that he is grateful and honoured to see the sportspersons of the state excelling and catching up with other sports persons.
The Government of the day is doing its best to upgrade the infrastructure and quality management of the sportsperson down to the grassroot level to grand tournament, the Minister maintained.
Pangnyu also exhorted the participants and the sportsperson from across the State to be well determined, develop a sense of winning heart to prosper and break the barriers to be an asset for the state.
He also lamented that Nagas often fall “prey to intoxication and other bad habits” which destroy their bright future without accomplishing their goals and aspirations.
To this end, Pangnyu advised the young talented players to refrain from such intoxications and build a firm relationship with their passion for their bright future.
DC Longleng, Dharam Raj also lauded officials, players and their management for their active participation and conveyed his best wishes.
It is not just a mere tournament but it is a tournament of hope, positivity and change, which the people of Longleng have been longing for a long time, he said. “It is also a Carnival of Sportsmanship, emotions, brotherhood and compositeness.”
The President LDBA Toshi Angh proposed the salutation and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for providing logistic and financial support;the Special Guest, Pangnyu; Chief Host, BS Nganlang MLA & Chairman DPDB Longleng; DC Longleng; stakeholders like PPC, Phomla Hoichem, PSC, all Ward Union, NSC Firm; and various department under Longleng district; and to all the other organisation and individuals who have rendered complete physical and financial support towards the whole event.
