The 11th edition of the Imsutemjen Memorial Table Tennis Tournament which began on 12 December at Amphitheatre, Ungma village, Mokokchung culminated on 13 December with chairman of Ungma Village Council, R Nungshilepden Jamir, as the special guest for the closing ceremony.
The Longterok Senden, Ungma organised the tournament with the theme ‘Metaxy Ison’.
R Nungshilepden Jamir, in his speech, congratulated the Longterok Senden Ungma for organising the tournament for the eleventh year and appreciated the committee for their efforts in making it a success every year.
He also stated that the tournament is evidence of how the club is striving forward in helping the village in producing players and sending representatives in the district level competitions.
Jamir encouraged the losing teams not to be discouraged but to continue practicing more and maintain the spirit of true sportsmanship with discipline. He also advised them to avoid using intoxicants.
R Nungshilepden Jamir, chairman of Ungma Village Council.
“It is very difficult to reach the finals. Two persons cannot be in the first place, so play with all your spirit and efforts. One will lose and the other will win but if failed then make use of one’s talent and refine one’s skills through consistent practice,” he told the players.
Talitoshi Jamir, assistant general secretary of Sports Society Soyim, also gave a brief exhortation where he said that the tournament is a blessing for the youths in the village.
He said the Sports Society Soyim is ever ready to work together in unity along with the club. He also spoke on the difference between individual game and group game which he said are equally important, and encouraged the players to stay focused in whichever game one plays.
“It is very important to reflect upon oneself of the mistakes and be aware of one’s weakness for improvisation,” Jamir said.
Taking the example of Dr T Ao and Chekrovolü Swüro, who both represented the state in the Olympics and 2011 World Archery Championships respectively, he told the players that one’s fame depends on how one performs and excels and said, “We are all Nagas and we can still work to achieve such greater goals.”
N Akok Longkumer from the organising committee pronounced the vote of thanks.
The inaugural programme of the tournament was held on 12 December at the Amphitheatre in Ungma village. The inaugural guest was Imlikokba Longkumer, District Planning Officer, Mokokchung.
Imlikokba acknowledged the family of Imsutemjen and expressed his appreciation to them and to the Longterok Senden Ungma for organising such a tournament, fostering sportspersons through such initiatives, bringing laurels to the district and providing a platform for skilled sportspersons not just in the district but even beyond which, he said, is of great achievement.
Ali Walling, president of Mokokchung District Table Tennis Association, also expressed gratitude to the Longterok Senden Ungma for organising such a promising event.
During the inaugural programme, six participants who represented Mokokchung in the Inter-District Table Tennis Tournament were felicitated.
Altogether, 61 teams took part in the tournament including two from Dimapur, four from Kohima and five from Wokha participated in the 11th Imsutemjen Memorial Table Tennis Tournament.
Categories and prizes for the tournament were:
Men’s single champion – Rs 8000; runner-up – Rs 6000
Men’s Doubles champion: Rs 10,000; runner-up – 7,000
Veterans (40+) champion – Rs 4000; runner-up – Rs 3000
Under 19, Boys & Girls Single champion – Rs 4000; runner-up – Rs 3000
Under 19, Boys & Girls Doubles champion – Rs 5000; runner-up – Rs 4000
The winners:
Men’s Open Singles
1st – Ricky (Dimapur)
2nd – Meyinukshi (Kohima)
Men’s Open Doubles
1st – Vicky & Ricky (Dimapur)
2nd – Wapang (MKG) & Kevirielie (Kohima)
Under-19 Boys Singles
1st – Ricky (Dimapur)
2nd – Vicky (Dimapur)
Under-19 Girls Singles
1st – Kesinou (Kohima)
2nd – Unokali (Zunheboto)
Veteran (40+)
1st – Kevirielie (Kohima)
2nd –Sendonglemba (Mokokchung)
Junior Boys (Ungma)
1st – Imtisupong (Ungma)
2nd – Korongshen (Ungma)
Junior Doubles Boys (Ungma)
1st – Walunir & Tsungjir (Ungma)
2nd – Ajendang & Monglir (Ungma)
Most Promising Player – Apuvi Z Aye (Zunheboto)
