Chümoukedima, November 9 (MExN): The 4th NIAPA Northeast Open Table Tennis (TT) Tournament concluded on Saturday evening at the NIAPA Mini Stadium, Chümoukedima, with Jeho Himnakulpuingheta and Trisha Gogoi emerging victorious in the men’s and women’s singles categories.
In the men’s singles, defending champion Jeho Himnakulpuingheta successfully retained his title by defeating Assam’s Agniv Bhaskar Gohain 4-2 in the final. Despite Gohain’s victory over Jeho in the team event earlier, he could not replicate his success in the individual competition. This was their second consecutive meeting in the finals, and once again, Jeho came out on top, earning Rs. 25,000. Gohain took home Rs. 16,000 for his runner-up finish. Alberto Ruata secured third place, defeating Laluatsanga and earning Rs. 10,000.
In the women’s singles, Trisha Gogoi, the Northeast Games champion, triumphed over Meghalaya’s Tanushree Das Gupta with a dominant 4-0 victory. Trisha, who debuted in the tournament, claimed the title and Rs. 20,000, while Gupta walked away with Rs. 13,000. Lalthansangi Sailo, the defending champion, lost to Gogoi in the semifinals and settled for third place after defeating Malsawmtluangi.
The men’s doubles title went to Jeho Himnakulpuingheta and Alberto Ruata, who defeated Agniv Bhaskar Gohain and Udipta Kakoti. The duo claimed Rs. 30,000, while Gohain and Kakoti earned Rs. 20,000. Suranjit Dey and Prithvi Dey secured third place with Rs. 15,000.
In the women’s doubles, Akuonuo K Yhome and Tanushree Das Gupta took the top spot, while Lalthansangi Sailo and Malsawmtluangi finished second. Third place went to Vichaduonuo Rame and Nana. The winners received Rs. 24,000, the second-place team earned Rs. 16,000, and the third-place team walked away with Rs. 11,000.
In the mixed doubles event, the Meghalaya duo of Surajit Dey and Tanushree Das Gupta claimed the title by defeating Assam’s Agniv Bhaskar Gohain and Trisha Gogoi. The winners received Rs. 30,000, while the runners-up earned Rs. 20,000. Jeho Himnakulpuingheta and Lalthansangi Sailo finished third, earning Rs. 15,000.
The tournament also recognized several individual achievements with special awards. Lalthansangi Sailo of Mizoram was honored with the NIAPA Star Award, while Lalruatfela received the Most Funky Player Award. Elita was named the Most Impactful Player, and Nirmal Ale was recognized as the Most Disciplined Player.
Dimapur District Commissioner Dr. Tinojongshi Chang graced the closing ceremony as the guest of honor and presented the awards to the winners.
