The 5th NIAPA Northeast Open Table Tennis Tournament got underway at the NIAPA Mini Stadium, Chümoukedima. Imnalensa, DIG Border, Government of Nagaland, graced the occasion as the special guest.
The opening ceremony began with a blessing by Pastor Vilopu Yeptho of Faith Baptist Church, Dimapur. The event was formally declared open with the ringing of the traditional gong by the special guest, marking the start of competitive action. The tournament is being organized by the Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA).
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Imnalensa urged the players to consider themselves ambassadors of table tennis and encouraged them to display sportsmanship, discipline, and dedication. He lauded NIAPA for providing a valuable platform to groom and nurture young talent from the region while offering exposure at higher levels of competition.
Highlighting the importance of belief, hard work, and determination, he reminded the athletes that reaching the regional level itself is a significant achievement. He encouraged players to compete without fear, respect their opponents and the rules of the game, and cherish every moment of the tournament. “Win or lose, you are all champions,” he said, adding that every contest is fought twice—first in the mind and then on the table.
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More than 80 players from Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura are participating in the championship, making it one of the most competitive table tennis events in the region. It may be noted that the NIAPA Northeast Open offers the highest cash awards in Northeast India, reinforcing its status as a premier tournament.
In the Veteran Doubles category, Mizoram’s Laishram Bikram Singh and Meisanam Basantakumar Singh defeated Assam’s Soneswar Deka and Anuram Sinha in the final to clinch the Masters Doubles (40+) title.
The Mizoram duo received INR.15,000 along with citations, while the runners-up from Assam took home INR.12,000. The final witnessed intense competition, with sets decided by fine margins. Mizoram took the opening set 11-6, Assam fought back to claim the second set 11-6, but Mizoram responded strongly by winning the next two sets 11-3 and 11-8 to seal the match.
The losing semifinalists, Moa Lemtor and Juthsutho Phoji, along with Neitsilie Meru and Bengdang Longkumer, were awarded INR. 4,000 each.
In the Best Duo of Nagaland category, Kanish Jain and Hekito Sema will face Visasier Kevichusa and L. David in the final match on the final day of the championship.
The tournament will continue on Day 2 with team events and the Under-21 category.
