The 5th edition of the Melityongpang Badminton Tournament concluded on December 19 at Marepkong Ward, with participation from 30 players of the ward. The two-day tournament, held from December 18 to 19, featured Junior and Senior categories and was organised to provide a platform for players toimprove their skills and performance.

In the Senior category, LKR & Imsong emerged as champions and received a cash prize of ₹6,000, while

AM secured the runners-up position and were awarded ₹4,000. In the Junior category, Shuttlers claimed

the championship title and received ₹4,000, while The Shuttlers finished as runners-up and took home

₹3,000.

Individual honours were also presented during the event. Otongtang T Longkumer was adjudged Player of the Tournament and received ₹1,000, while the Most Promising Player award went to Imtiapong, who was also awarded ₹1,000.

The tournament saw participation from three junior teams and twelve senior teams, with three league matches played in the Junior category and twelve league matches conducted in the Senior category.

On December 18, the tournament was inaugurated by Rongsenshilu, PRO to MLA Küzholüzo Nienü (Azo

Nienü) and earlier resident of Marepkong Ward, who attended as the chief guest.

In his address, during the inaugural program, Rongsenshilu appreciated the ward for producing committed government officers, and for its contributions in various sectors. He also acknowledged the ward’s dedication in every field and stated that although Marepkong Ward was established relatively late than others, it has produced several notable personalities and continues to nurture individuals pursuing different fields.

He reminisced about his childhood and youth spent in Marepkong Ward, recalling the years he invested there as memorable. He said he spent his formative years in the ward and expressed a deep emotional attachment to the place and its people, adding that he had learned many valuable life lessons during his time there.

He further noted that the ward has produced individuals serving in government sectors as well as local contributors to society.

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Referring to the recent municipal elections and the election of an MMC Councillor for the ward, he urged residents to set aside political affiliations. He cautioned that division within the ward would hinder progress and encouraged the people to remain united and extend support to the councillor for the overall development of the ward.

The Melityongpang Badminton Tournament, though one of the smaller tournaments, continues to contribute its role in generating interest in the sport and keeping the competitive spirit alive among young players. Such community led platforms provide early exposure and help sustain enthusiasm for badminton at the grassroots level.

The tournament is organised annually during the winter season by 12 members of Melityongpang Khel, one of the four khels under Marepkong Ward. The winter period was chosen as most ward members get time away from work, children are on winter vacation, and parents actively participate alongside their children. During the tournament, local residents, including small entrepreneurs, set up food stalls, contributing to the overall atmosphere. The playing area was prepared with garden nets, lighting arrangements, generators, and basic facilities, with bonfires welcoming the winter chills, as ward members came together to support the players and be part of the tournament.

Speaking on the objective of the tournament, the organisers stated that badminton is a sport widely played by both youths and seniors in the ward. They highlighted the importance of physical fitness and competitive exposure, noting that several players from the ward participate in district-level and inter- school tournaments organised under the Mokokchung District Badminton Association (MDBA). While the khel tournament is not yet registered under MDBA, the organisers informed that they are planning to do so in the future, citing financial constraints and the need to sustain the tournament as a small khel.

Marepkong Ward has an estimated population of 600 to 700, with around 70 to 80 players showing active interest in badminton under the Marepkong Shuttlers group. The organisers reiterated that the tournament is not organised as a pastime but as a platform to help players improve their skills and performance, expressing hope that it will continue to grow in the coming years and urged the community to support.

The tournament concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Sakumongba Longchar, who acknowledged the contributions of the organising team, players, ward members, parents, youths, and well-wishers for the successful conduct of the event.