Dimapur, April 29 (MExN): Dimapur is all set to host the mega sports festival – the “Victor 1st North-East Masters (Veteran) Badminton Championship” to be held from May 4-6 at Badminton Indoor Stadium, United Colony (Nagaran), Dimapur. With the aim to develop friendship through the game of badminton among the North-Eastern states by coming together in a common platform, the three-day event hosted by Dimapur District Badminton Association (DDBA) under the banner of Nagaland Badminton Association will be inaugurated by former chief minister and Nagaland Lok Sabha, MP, Neiphiu Rio at 9:00 am, a press release informed. The championship will feature stalls ranging from food, art, holiday & leisure packages and sports. It will also stage entertainment events featuring live bands, some of which include DGP band, DDBA band, Renbeni Odyuo and Sinya Kath and stand-up comedian Hopong Phom. Another feature of the tournament will be the special appearance of Arjuna awardee and India International badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa – the brand ambassador of Victor – on the closing day. The organizers in this regard have appealed to all to come and witness the mega sporting event incorporated with music. Over 100 shuttlers from the North Eastern states including Nagaland have confirmed their participation in the competition. The total prize money of Rs.2.66 lakhs and gift hampers for the event are being sponsored by Victor. Assam Minister of Finance, Health & Education, and President Badminton Association of India (BAI), Dr. Himanta Biswas Sarma, and Nagaland Minister for Roads & Bridges and President, Nagaland Badminton Association (NBA) Y. Vikheho Swu will grace the closing function as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
