TR Zeliang inaugurating NIAPA’s exclusive mini TT Stadium at Agri Expo premises, Chumoukedima on November 24. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 24
The Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA) opened its first exclusive mini Table Tennis (TT) stadium, officially inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang at Agri Expo premises, Chümoukedima on November 24.
In his address, Zeliang applauded the efforts of NIAPA for constructing the stadium and organising its annual Northeast Open tournament which will be held from November 24 to 27.
The tournament will witness the participation of five teams, 70 players in total, from Assam, Mizoram, NIAPA, Nagaland Senior team and the Nagaland Warriors competing in various categories.
He said that TT has a world wide appeal that draws interest from all age groups unlike other games and sports. Quoting Ogimura, former President of the International Table Tennis Federation, he mentioned, “Table Tennis is like running a 100M race while playing chess at the same time.”
“Today with the inauguration of this exclusive stadium for Table Tennis, young players in the State will be immensely benefited as, a platform and avenue is brought to the doorstep to train and improve their talent to compete with the rest,” he said.
He also called upon the organisers to continue in their commitment to support and nurture the growth of the sport. “We do not lack the talent to be world renowned and there is potential in our youths to excel in any discipline but due to poor infrastructure and support, our growth in the field of sports is growing at a slow pace,” Zeliang viewed.
Nonetheless, he urged the young players to aim for excellence and strive hard to become successful sportsmen and women not only within the region, but also shine at the national and international level.
According to the organisers, a total cash prize of Rs 6,00,000 has been set for categories such as men’s single, women’s single, mixed double, men’s double, women’s double and team events.
In addition, there would also be individual awards for shot of the day, Naga performer of the day, MVP of team event, NIAPA star award and several others.
