The Badminton Stadium in Mokokchung Town witnessed the grand inauguration of the First Edition of Li Ning Northeast Invitational Badminton Tournament on Tuesday. Organized by the Mokokchung District Badminton Association (MDBA), the event is held under the aegis of the Mokokchung District Sports Council (MDSC) and Nagaland Badminton Association (NBA), marking 50 years of badminton in Nagaland.

The inaugural program, graced by Col Rahul Gurung, Commandant 12 Assam Rifles, highlighted the tournament’s vision for the year 2040 – a mission to cultivate badminton talents and produce future Olympians.

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Special Guest Col Rahul Gurung, in his address during the tournament’s commencement, lauded sports for developing physical and social skills. He recognized MDBA’s role in providing a platform for budding players, motivating them to excel in higher-level events.

Tsüvisie Phoji, Deputy Commissioner and President of Mokokchung District Sports Council, in his short speech, welcomed players with a call for determination and discipline, urging them to showcase their best throughout the tournament and emphasized the social and mental benefits of sports, praising MDBA, MDSC, and NBA for motivating youth in sports.

Read more: Mokokchung to host Li Ning Northeast Invitational Badminton Tournament

Martoshi Jamir, President of MDBA, expressed aspirations for a badminton academy in Mokokchung and revealed plans to open a badminton academy using the tournament as a platform to interact with senior players from Northeast states for valuable insights. The tournament is set to culminate on 15th December 2023.

The tournament, featuring categories like Men’s and Women’s Doubles, and Men’s 75+, 85+, 95+, and 105+ Doubles, boasts cash prizes up to four lakh, including match-winning rewards. Altogether 85 participants hailing from various Northeast states are participating in the tournament.