The 2nd Winter Challenge Badminton Tournament organised by Badminton Association Khensa (BAK) on the theme “Smashing Barriers” concluded on December 20 at the Multi Purpose Community Hall, Khensa. Imkongmar Imchen, Treasurer of Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem and Ao Lanur Telongjem, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
Altogether, 75 players participated in this edition of the tournament, which featured 6 categories: 85+,
95+, Men’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Under-13 Boys Singles and Under-17 Boys Singles. Winners and runners-up in all categories were awarded cash prizes along with certificates.
In the Under-13 Boys Singles category, Chubamayang Imsong emerged as champion, while Imtinungsang Longkumer finished as runner-up. The prize money for this category was ₹5,000 for the champion and ₹3,000 for the runner-up.
The Under-17 Boys Singles title was claimed by Wacha, while Arkutong secured the runners-up position. The champion received ₹7,000, and the runner-up was awarded ₹5,000.
In the 95+ category, T Imlisunep Ao and P. Nilakanta Singh emerge as champions, while S. Bendang Imchen and Tiayanger finished as runners-up. In the 85+ category, the title was again claimed by T. Imlisunep Ao and P. Nilakanta Singh, with Temsuyanger and Imtichiba Kichu securing the runners-up position. Both the 85+ and 95+ categories carried a prize of ₹10,000 for the champions and ₹7,000 for the runners-up.
In the Men’s Doubles category, Akumsanen Jamir and Imnawapang were crowned champions, while Tiayanger and Wapongsen finished as runners-up. The Men’s Doubles champions received ₹10,000, with ₹7,000 awarded to the runners-up.
The Mixed Doubles title was won by Lanuakum Imsong and Imlikumla, while Kipangwala Longkumer and Imtichiba Kichu finished runners-up. The champions were awarded ₹10,000, and the runners-up received ₹7,000.
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In his address, Imkongmar Imchen highlighted the importance of the tournament in providing exposure and a competitive platform for young shuttlers. He stated that such initiatives help motivate players to put in greater effort during practice and competition, contributing to their overall improvement and opening pathways to higher levels, including state, national, and even international stages.
He observed that although the tournament may appear small and village-based, platforms like these play a significant role in shaping the future of young players, many of whom may go on to be recognised at higher levels. He also noted that while many youths today watch sports through mobile phones and believe they can perform better, real growth comes only through physical training and actual competition. In this context, he said that bringing youngsters together through tournaments helps translate knowledge into practice.
Lauding the Badminton Association Khensa (BAK), Imkongmar appreciated the initiative of organising the tournament for neighbouring villages such as Mekuli, Chungtia, and Aliba, along with nearby villages of Mokokchung Town. He described the effort as beneficial in developing unity and uplifting the communities involved.
He further remarked that such sporting activities, apart from skill development, also create indirect employment opportunities for the youth.
Referring to the tournament entering its second edition and being introduced as a running trophy, he stressed the need for sustainability. He pointed out that regular collections would not be sufficient in the long run and suggested that BAK register as a society, open a bank account, maintain proper financial records, and avail various state and central government schemes to sustain the association and continue providing platforms for the shuttlers.
Earlier during the program, the tournament synopsis was presented by the Chief Referee, after which closing remarks were delivered by Imlitemsu Convenor of the Organising Committee.
The Convenor speaking to NT, stated that the Khensa Community Hall has been consistently hosting monthly badminton tournaments, providing a regular and reliable competitive platform for players from Khensa ward, neighbouring wards, and nearby villages, in coordination with the Mokokchung District Badminton Association (MDBA). He noted that the venue has also become an important playing space for players from Mokokchung Town, particularly when the district badminton stadium remains overcrowded, allowing many players who otherwise miss playing opportunities to participate in competitions and regular practice.
According to him, several players from Mokokchung Town practise regularly at the Khensa hall, which has gradually developed into a hub for training and competition.
The organisers informed that the tournaments draw players from Khensa village, Chungtia village, and also feature tie-up tournaments with Ungma village and MDBA, thereby expanding participation across the district. Highlighting the conduct of matches, the organisers said that the tournament committee followed a structured protocol, including the formal introduction of umpires, service judges, line judges, and players, with all officials positioned on court before matches commence, followed by players greeting each other prior to play.
Referring to the standard of competition, the Convenor remarked that the final matches were highly competitive, with most encounters going into deciding sets rather than being settled in straight games. He added that almost all champions and runners-up were players who represent Mokokchung district at the state level, and reflected that the tournament provided some quality platform and competition.
