9th Kohima District TT Championship underway

Kevithuto Sophie, NPS, Senior Superintendent of Police Kohima and Vikuo Metha opening the Championship.

Morung Express News 
Kohima | October 29

The 9th Kohima District Table Tennis Championship is currently underway at the capital's TT Stadium from October 29 to 31.

Organised by the Kohima District Table Tennis Association (KDTTA), the Championship was opened by Kevithuto Sophie, NPS, Senior Superintendent of Police Kohima during the inaugural held on October 29.

Remembering the early years of Table tennis in the State, Sophie stated that the Sport was popular in the late 1970s and early eighties. Despite the decline of the Sport in the following years, Sophie acknowledged the increasing interest in the game. However, Sophie rued over the lack of dedication and discipline among Nagas. "We Nagas oftentimes we are 'Jack of all sports, Master of none'. We take it as a seasonal game, " said the Police Officer.  With Asians excelling internationally in the sport of Table Tennis and Badminton, Sophie express the hope that more Nagas put emphasis on these sports. "With our structure, we can excel in sports like TT and badminton. TT is one game where you don't need a hefty physique. It only requires practise and dedication to excel," said Sophie.

Emphasizing on the health aspect of sport, Sophie stated that Nagas too are becoming health conscious, therefore sport is an essential activity to keep oneself healthy. With almost 80 percent of illnesses caused by one's lifestyle, Sophie hoped that more people will pick up the sport for health and fitness. To the players and organisers, Sophie encouraged them to invest their time and dedication in the sport and groom young players to compete in international levels.

In his introductory speech, Vikuo Metha from KDTTA mentioned that Table Tennis is an upcoming sports which is gradually gaining recognition in the international sports arena. "Table Tennis require eye and hand coordination, which goes a long way to ensuring health and fitness," said Metha, a veteran TT player who has been playing since the late 1970s.

56 players will be competing in the championship of Veteran category, women's singles, men's singles, sub-junior girls, and youth singles category . The youngest player at the championship is 11 years old Vichaduonuo while the oldest player is 60 years old Mayang Lkr.

Winners of the championship will participate at the inter-state Table Tennis tournament.