Li Ning Northeast Invitational Badminton Tournament concluded on December 15 at the Mokokchung District Badminton Association Indoor Stadium, Imkongmeren Multisports Complex, Aongza Ward, Mokokchung. The tournament, held from December 12-15, featured approximately 80 participants from Manipur (11 players), Assam (4 players), and around 70 from Nagaland.
Chief Guest Moa Aier, in his address, emphasized the vision of the Mokokchung District Badminton Association for the year 2040 – “Mission to cultivate badminton talents and produce future Olympians.” He emphasized focusing on specific games like badminton, martial arts, and table tennis, stating, “Physical, financial, and manpower are crucial for success.”
Aier highlighted the potential earnings for sports players, saying, “With talent, skills, efforts, hard work, one can earn more than government servants worldwide.” He urged the inclusion of all interested players, stating, “Not only privileged players should play, but all interested players.”
Regarding infrastructure, Aier suggested, “Villages should have badminton clubs contributing to Nagaland Badminton Association (NBA) on a merit level basis by categorizing the play and let the players compete until reaching the district level to discover the best players.”
Aier also drew attention on the need for establishing Academies, Aier citing examples of successful national and international players who belong to academies.
Bijoy Kumar Barman, aged 56, and Yumnam Tombisana Singh, aged 55, both international players represented Assam in MD 95 and MD105 categories in the tournament, who have recently participated in the BWF World Senior Championships in Jeonju, Korea in September and the 2023 BWF World Championship in Copenhagen, Denmark, in August.
During their visit to Nagaland, they shared their experiences and expressed optimism about the state’s emerging badminton talent. They emphasized the need for a dedicated academy to guide Nagaland’s players towards national competitiveness. However, they highlighted the crucial requirement for sponsorship from businesses, the government, and various organizations, citing the substantial expenses associated with badminton.
The players stressed that badminton is a costly sport, and relying solely on clubs is insufficient. They pointed out that proper infrastructure is paramount, advocating for a minimum of four courts along with facilities like a physical trainer, gym, physiotherapy, and, importantly, national-level coaches.
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The winners of the tournament were announced across various categories:
Men’s Doubles 105+
Winner: Bijoy Kumar Barman & Yumnam Tombisana Singh (Assam)
Runner-up: I. Temjen & Sashiwapang (Nagaland)
Men’s Doubles 95+
Winner: Bendangnochet & Er. Imlisunep (Nagaland)
Runner-up: Temsuyanger Lemtur & Sashiwapang (Nagaland)
Players from Assam team
Men’s Doubles 85+
Winner: Bendangnochet & Er. Imlisunep (Nagaland)
Runner-up: Er. Toshikaba & Sendongyanger (Nagaland)
Men’s Doubles 75+
Winner: Sendongyanger & Wapang Tzudir (Nagaland)
Runner-up: Supongtemsu Longchar & Tiayanger (Nagaland)
Men’s Doubles
Winner: Teichang Herie & Peramrisi Zeliang (Nagaland)
Runner-up: Unil Kumar (Manipur) and Hitlo V. Sumi (Nagaland)
Women’s Doubles
Winner: Shekhotolu Puro & Tovali Shohe (Nagaland)
Runner-up: Ekumyala Changkiri & Bendangnaro Jamir (Nagaland)
Players from Manipur team
