The 26th Nagaland Inter-District & State Table Tennis Championship 2023, hosted by the Mokokchung District Table Tennis Association (MDTTA) under the aegis of the Nagaland Table Tennis Association (NTTA) concluded on Thursday. The Championship which was held from October 23-26 culminated with Col. Rahul Gurung, Kirti Chakra, Commandant of the 12 Assam Rifles, as the Valedictory Patron.
Photo: Champion and Runners-Up of Women’s Team Event, Kohima- Red, Niuland – Grey/Neon
The State Open Table Tennis Championship included singles and doubles competitions across various categories, comprising Men’s Singles and Doubles, Women’s Singles and Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Youth Boys and Girls (Under 19) Singles and Doubles, Junior Boys and Girls (Under 17) Singles and Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Sub-Junior Boys and Girls (Under-15) (Only Singles), Veterans 40+ (Singles and Doubles), and Veterans 50+ (Only Singles). The championship concluded today with prize distribution to the winning participants, including cash prizes and certificates. Also, the Team Champions and Runners-Up of the Team Event for both Men (Mon -Winner) and Kohima – Runners-Up while Women (Kohima-Winner) and Niuland-Runners-Up which concluded yesterday, were awarded Trophies, Cash Prizes, and Certificates during the prize distribution ceremony.
The winners of each category of the State Open Table Tennis Championship are displayed in the table below:
Niuland bagged the Best Discipline Team while youngest player of the tournament was also awarded to one girl by the MDTTA.
Photo: Champion and Runners-Up of Men’s Team Event, Mon- Blue, Kohima – Red
Col. Rahul Gurung, Kirti Chakra, and Commandant of the 12 Assam Rifles, acknowledged the NTTA and MDTTA for organizing such tournament in the district with the aim of promoting the sport.
Addressing the budding players participating in the tournament, Gurung expressed that many of these players could find their way to the national team, leaving a significant mark in the history of sports, much like Dr. T Ao.
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Photo: The Youngest Player of the Championship
He encouraged all players, emphasizing that whether they won or lost, it’s all part of the game. For those who faced defeat, he urged them not to be disheartened but to take it as a challenge. For the winners, he advised against complacency, instead encouraging them to focus on becoming a part of the national team and championship. Gurung also spoke on the importance of reading the biographies of national sports heroes in India, who all rose from humble beginnings. He stressed the values of willpower, dedication, and hard work, encouraging the players to carry forward their spirit and make a name for themselves in India’s national sports history while maintaining consistent focus and dedication.
Furthermore, Gurung commented on the current state of sports in India, noting that it has gained a central stage with its increasing medal tally. He attributed this success to the collective efforts of all sports associations throughout the country.
