The first Kohima District Inter High School Badminton Tournament concluded on July 11 at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Officers’ Hill, Thegabakha, with Advisor for School Education, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, gracing the closing ceremony as the Guest of Honour.
Congratulating the Kohima District Badminton Association (KDBA) for successfully organising the inaugural tournament, Yhome said the event had provided a valuable platform for young players to showcase their talent and develop a passion for badminton.
Addressing the participants, aged between 9 and 15 years, he encouraged them to enjoy the game, learn from one another and uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship. He said sports and physical activities have always been an integral part of society and have today evolved into a thriving industry, creating opportunities for recreation as well as professional careers. He urged students to pursue their talents with dedication and hard work so that they could one day represent their schools, the state and the country at national and international levels.
The Advisor also highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure across Nagaland through the development of new stadiums and the upgradation of existing facilities to provide better opportunities for aspiring athletes. He expressed confidence that improved infrastructure would help nurture sporting talent and enable the state to host larger sporting events.
Emphasizing the importance of physical fitness, Yhome said changing lifestyles and unhealthy food habits have made regular participation in sports more important than ever. He encouraged students to make sports a part of their daily lives to remain healthy, disciplined and physically fit.
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Expressing happiness over the successful conduct of the tournament, he hoped that more schools would participate in the coming years and that the event would eventually grow into an inter-district tournament.
Earlier, Vice President (Technical), KDBA, Meguokho Pienyü, presented the tournament report. He informed that 57 players from 12 schools participated in the three-day tournament, displaying enthusiasm, determination and sportsmanship throughout the competition. He said the tournament aimed to provide young players with opportunities to develop their talents and build character through sports while promoting the growth of badminton in the district.
The programme was chaired by Joint Secretary, KDBA, L. Likhase Sangtam. Dr. Viposa Kiso, Director, Gethemgo Sports International, Nagaland, invoked God’s blessings, while Rev. Dr. Neiliezhü Usou of Memorial School, Kohima presented a special number. The vote of thanks was delivered by KDBA member, Akumla.
