Sharingain Longkumer and others with NBA officials during the inaugural ceremony of Li-Ning 45th Inter District & State Open Badminton Championship 2023 in Kohima on July 10. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 10
The Li-Ning 45th Inter District & State Open Badminton Championship 2023 under the aegis of Nagaland Badminton Association (NBA) as host and Kohima District Badminton Association as co-host, commenced today at Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) stadium, Kohima.
Over 300 players from 16 districts including Nagaland Police team joined the championship, which will continue till July 14.
This year’s championship also marks the NBA golden jubilee commemoration.
The championship will witness senior & junior open categories, Mens Singles, Mens Doubles, Womens Singles, Womens Doubles, Mixed (XD) Doubles, Junior Boys U-I9 Singles, Junior Boys Under -19 Doubles, Junior Girls Under -19 Singles, Junior Girls Under -19 Doubles, Mixed (XD) Doubles, Under -17 boys Singles, Under -17 boys Doubles, Under -17 Girls Singles, Under -17 Girls Doubles, Under -15 boys Singles, Under -15 boys Doubles, Under -15 Girls Singles, Under -15 girls Doubles, Under -13 boys Singles, Under -13 boys Doubles, Under -13 girls Singles, Under-13 girls Doubles, Under -11 boys Singles, U-11 boys Doubles, Under-11 girls Singles, Under -11 girls Doubles, Under -9 boys Singles and Under -9 girls Singles.
Gracing the inaugural ceremony, Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Sharingain Longkumer highlighted the evolution of badminton in India and how it became a game for all and excelled in producing world-class players.
"We need to produce players in all levels be it the district, state, national and international too,” he said adding that NBA has big responsibilities to shoulder in creating such platforms to identify talents at a young age and to inculcate the necessary sets of skills which are required in the game.
He also congratulated the NBA and its founding members for bringing the association to 50 years.
Sharingain also encouraged the young players present in the tournament that the most important thing is the players themselves; the players need to train their mental temperament, maintain their physique, inculcate skills, and importantly discipline; perform consistently with humility since the coaches and trainers will only teach them the skills and will provide good platforms.
It is perseverance and commitment towards success but basic amenities should not be a reason to deter away from games and should not try to justify the lack of performance, he said. The government of today is focusing on uplifting the sports sector, he added.
He also unveiled the Golden Jubilee Souvenir and NBA website.
NBA wants state of the art new sports complex
NBA President Kesonyu Yhome said that in order to mark the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Nagaland Badminton Association has resolved to submit 2 sets of proposal to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and the State Government to facilitate the growth of sports and infrastructure in the State.
“We are proposing to the government with a concept note to completely demolish the existing Indoor Badminton and TT Stadium at Kohima and construct a state of the art new Sports complex with at least 5-6 Badminton Courts and 5 TT boards along with other required services & amenities,” he said.
Such a facility will enable us to host major sports competitions including national level events; promote sports culture, physical fitness and recreational activities; support local sports teams and clubs; and generate revenue for the government, he said.
The second proposal noted that regardless of the trainings; regular coaching camps and tournaments at various levels, badminton in the state has not grown beyond a point. The one underlying reason for this could be the absence of scope to play sports as a profession - as a means of livelihood.
In this, NBA has proposed to the State Government to put in place a policy to reserve minimum 5 % job quota in Group C categories in the government departments for meritorious sportspersons.
Stating that the NBA will aggressively pursue these proposals with the State Government, Yhome said “we are very positive that with these kind of initiatives, we can hopefully set the much needed springboard for the younger generations of our society in the field of sports who will proudly carry our flag at the national and international levels some day in the foreseeable future.”
Delivering the welcome address, Kohima Deputy Commissioner, Shanavas C mentioned the challenges faced in sports and games and how badminton sailed through the challenges and produced some eminent international players for the country.
Mengu Suokhrie presented a special number. The programme was chaired by Kekhriesetuo Ziephru, NBA organizing Secretary. Earlier, Rev. Kedo Peseyie, pastor City Church Kohima invoked God’s blessing.
The championship will conclude on July 14 at Indoor Badminton Stadium, Kohima with Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang as the special guest and Nagaland Youth Resources & Sports Advisor, S Keoshu Yimkhiung as special invitee.
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