Kovi Meyase, President of KDBA, and Kezhochole Rhetso, State Mission Director of SBM (Urban), with officials and players during the launch of Kohima’s first Women’s Badminton Tournament on September 13. (DIPR Photo)
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 13 (MExN): Kohima marked a milestone in its sporting calendar on Saturday with the launch of it’s first-ever Women’s Badminton Tournament at the NLA Stadium. The event was organised under the aegis of the Kohima District Badminton Association (KDBA) in collaboration with the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, the Department of Women Resource Development, and KDBA.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Kovi Meyase, NCS, Secretary of Excise and President of KDBA, commended the organisers for their determination in bringing the initiative to fruition. He acknowledged the challenges of hosting a first-of-its-kind event and assured continued support in promoting women’s badminton in the district.
Kezhochole Rhetso, Joint Director of Urban Development and State Mission Director of SBM (Urban), recalled how the idea of forming a women’s badminton club first took shape months ago and expressed pride in seeing it realised. Linking the tournament with the ongoing Swachhotsav: Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign, she said the Mission, which began as a women-led movement, had grown into a collective effort.
“This is the right platform because it is a women’s tournament, and it reflects the same spirit of leadership and inspiration,” she said, adding that the players were not only athletes but also ambassadors of Swachh Bharat.
Swachhotsav 2025, to be observed from September 17 to October 2, will focus on clean and green festivities and zero-waste community celebrations. Its objectives include large-scale advocacy and citizen participation, clearing difficult garbage spots, prioritising the welfare of sanitation workers, and encouraging eco-friendly festivals. The association of the badminton tournament with the campaign was seen as a way of uniting sports with civic responsibility.
The inaugural programme also featured a welcome address by Kesoweu, an invocation by Neimenuo, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Kohima, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Ningdang. The event was attended by officials, dignitaries, and sports enthusiasts, and hailed as a landmark initiative in advancing women’s participation in sports and promoting SBM-U 2.0’s message of cleanliness and community engagement.
