The 38th Mokokchung District Open Badminton Championship 2026 commenced on July 21 at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Mokokchung, with District Programme Officer, Department of Social Welfare, Imliyanger, attending the opening ceremony as the special guest.
A total of 65 players-49 boys and 16 girls are competing across 17 categories. Organised by the Mokokchung District Badminton Association (MDBA), the three-day championship will conclude on July 23.
The events include Under-9 boys’ and girls’ singles; Under-11 boys’ singles, boys’ doubles and girls’ doubles; Under-13 boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles; Under-15 boys’ singles and doubles; Under-17 boys’ singles and doubles; junior boys’ singles and doubles; senior men’s doubles; and 35+ men’s doubles.
Addressing the gathering, Imliyanger said he was delighted to see a large number of young faces participating in the championship and congratulated the MDBA for successfully organising the 38th edition of the tournament. He said the association had consistently promoted badminton in the district by providing opportunities for players to compete and develop their skills.
He said the championship was not merely about organising matches but about shaping young people through sports.
Urging the participants to uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship, Imliyanger said players should respect the game, their opponents, match officials and the profession they choose to pursue.
“Whether you win or lose, do not lose your smile. Be cheerful and play with the right spirit,” he said.
Addressing the student players, he emphasised that badminton should not come at the cost of education. While encouraging them to pursue sports wholeheartedly, he reminded them that academics must remain their first priority.
Imliyanger also called upon parents, senior players and the wider community to continue supporting young athletes and work together to nurture future sporting talent in the district.
He urged the players to compete with integrity, respect and discipline both on and off the court.
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Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, MDBA president Imomar said the association continues to organise coaching camps and tournaments at different levels as part of its long term Vision 2040, which aims to produce an Olympian from Mokokchung by the year 2040.
He said the vision, conceived by senior members of the association in 2021-22, focuses on identifying and nurturing young talent through regular coaching programmes, district championships and exposure to state, regional and national competitions.
Imomar said the association has been encouraging participation from players across the district, including Mangkolemba, Tuli and other subdivisions, to widen the talent pool. He added that the turnout this year has been encouraging, with around 60 to 70 active players currently associated with the district.
He noted that several senior players are presently studying or working outside the district, with five players having secured employment over the past two years. While many are unable to compete in district tournaments, he expressed hope that they would continue to return and represent Mokokchung in future competitions.
Highlighting the association’s progress, Imomar said MDBA has grown into one of the state’s most active badminton associations. Every year, more than ten players from the district represent Nagaland at the North East Zonal Championships, while 23 players from the association have represented the state in different editions of the tournament. MDBA players also compete regularly at national-level events, and the reigning Nagaland men’s champion is from Mokokchung.
He recalled that the association successfully hosted a North East-level, 1st Li Ning Northeast Invitational Badminton Tournament in 2023, which attracted participants from northeast, commemorating 50 years of badminton in Nagaland and when Vision 2040 was announced.
On the challenges faced by the association, Imomar said inadequate sports infrastructure remains a major hurdle. Compared to players from other states, he said, Nagaland’s players have fewer training facilities and coaching opportunities. Nevertheless, he maintained that local players possess the talent and determination to compete at higher levels if provided with proper coaching and systematic support.
He also informed that MDBA has initiated the process of establishing a badminton academy in Mokokchung and has constituted a committee to take the proposal forward.
While the association has largely sustained its activities independently through coaching programmes and tournaments, Imomar said it has received financial assistance from the district administration on certain occasions. He added that greater support from the government, organisations and well-wishers would significantly strengthen player development and help the association achieve its long term vision.
