The 1st Inter-Department Table Tennis Tournament organized by NIAPA Khelo India Centre, Chümoukedima, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, concluded at the Indoor Stadium, Officers’ Hill, Kohima, on 5th September 2026.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Advisor Youth Resource & Sports, S Keoshu Yimchunger described the tournament as a wonderful initiative, stating that such events provide government employees with an opportunity to remain physically active, build friendships across departments and promote a healthy and positive working environment.
He expressed hope that the Inter-Department Table Tennis Tournament would not remain a one-time event and encouraged the organisers and concerned departments to make such sporting activities a regular feature, with participation expanding year after year. He also suggested that more sporting disciplines could be included in the coming years.
Emphasizing that sports is not merely about winning trophies and medals, the Advisor said that sporting activities teach important values such as discipline, dedication, teamwork, sportsmanship and the determination to improve.
While appreciating the conduct of departmental tournaments, Yimchunger stressed that equal importance must be given to the younger generation. He said that if Nagaland is to see its players compete at the national and international levels in the future, their preparation must begin today.
He called for the identification and nurturing of talented players in the Under-10, Under-15 and Under-20 age groups, stating that these are crucial stages for developing skills, building confidence and providing proper coaching and exposure. He observed that a child beginning table tennis at the age of eight, nine or ten could potentially become a national champion or international player in the years ahead.
The Advisor encouraged the Department, sports associations, coaches, schools, parents and other stakeholders to work together towards strengthening grassroots and age-group development. He expressed confidence that with proper nurturing of young athletes, more Naga sportspersons could represent not only Nagaland but also India at the international level.
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He also urged the parents to support and encourage children who demonstrate talent in sports. He acknowledged that supporting a child in sports requires time, financial commitment, travel and personal sacrifice, but said that the sacrifices made today could become the achievements a child brings home tomorrow.
The Advisor stated that Nagaland has many talented young people who require proper coaching, facilities, exposure, competition and opportunities to realize their potential. He also informed that the Department of Youth Resources and Sports is working on plans and initiatives to provide deserving and talented athletes with opportunities for advanced coaching and exposure outside the country.
He stressed that the objective should not be limited to producing athletes who can compete at the State level, but should aim towards enabling Naga athletes to compete successfully at the national and international levels.
Yimchunger expressed hope that one day a young Naga athlete would stand on an international podium, adding that such achievements would be the result of the combined efforts of parents who believed in their children, coaches who trained them and a society that supported their dreams.
The Managing Director of the Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA), Akuonuo Khezhie Yhome, in her closing remarks, expressed gratitude to all participating departments, players and officials for their sportsmanship and enthusiastic participation throughout the tournament.
She informed that 22 departments participated in the tournament, with 58 team matches comprising 174 total matches and 45 individual matches played to reach the final. Describing the tournament as an overwhelming experience, she said it was encouraging to see people from different backgrounds come together through the sport.
Yohme also acknowledged the players and their respective departments for bringing excitement to the competition and expressed hope that the tournament would encourage more people to take up table tennis and provide players with a platform to develop their skills and excel.
She further thanked the organisers, volunteers, referees, umpires and all those who worked behind the scenes for their contribution towards the successful conduct of the tournament. She made special mention of NIAPA Khelo India Coach, Metevito Kintso, for his contribution and support from the planning stage of the tournament.
She concluded by stating that the event was only the beginning and expressed hope that the tournament would grow bigger and better in the years to come.
The tournament concluded with competitive performances in both the Open Singles and Team Event categories.
In the Open Singles category, Alberto LR Rauta emerged as the winner and received a cash prize of ₹8,000. Seyievilie Seyie secured the second position with a cash prize of ₹5,000, while Ihubuing Haikube finished third and received ₹3,000. Mhasivi Miachieo secured the fourth position.
In the Team Event, NPWD (EnC) emerged as the winner and received a cash prize of ₹20,000. The Office of the Accountant General secured the second position and received ₹15,000, while the Department of Youth Resources and Sports finished third with a cash prize of ₹10,000. The Directorate of Geology & Mining secured the fourth position and received ₹5,000.
The tournament provided an opportunity for players from various departments to showcase their talent, sportsmanship and competitive spirit, while promoting table tennis among government departments.
