The 13th Edition of the Inter-Departmental Tournament of Zunheboto District was inaugurated on September 17 at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Zunheboto, with Advisor for Food & Civil Supply, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, and Chairman of Urban Local Bodies & Village Council Committee, K Tokugha Sukhalu, IAS (Retd), as the Special Guest.
Organised by the District Planning & Development Board (DPDB), Zunheboto, the tournament commenced with a formal inaugural programme aimed at promoting sportsmanship, camaraderie and a healthy sporting culture among government employees and departments.
The 3-day tournament will be held from September 17 to 19.
Addressing the gathering, K Tokugha Sukhalu spoke on the importance of sports in nurturing discipline, confidence, teamwork and positive values among the younger generation. He also highlighted the need to encourage young people to channel their energy and talents towards constructive pursuits.
Sukhalu further stated that the people of Zunheboto had placed their trust in him, and that such trust carried with it a responsibility to work for the betterment and progress of the district. He called upon all sections of society, particularly government departments and officials, to extend their cooperation and work collectively towards making Zunheboto a better place and taking the district forward.
He also emphasised that development could be achieved more effectively through collective effort, mutual cooperation and a shared commitment towards the welfare of the people.
The oath was administered by District Sports Officer, Zunheboto, Anguvito Sumi, following which the formal declaration of the tournament was made by the Sukhalu.
The tournament also comes in the wake of notable performances by players of the Zunheboto District Badminton Association (ZDBA) at the recently concluded 48th Inter-District & State Badminton Championship 2026 held at Mokokchung.
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At the championship, ZDBA players secured several notable positions. In the Champions category, Likupu and Linokivi emerged winners in the U-13 Girls’ Doubles, while Liviya and Alo won the U-15 Girls’ Doubles. Liviya also emerged champion in the U-15 Girls’ Singles, while Hivi and Titoka secured the U-17 Boys’ Doubles title.
In the Runners-up category, Mughakivi finished second in the U-15 Boys’ Singles as well as the U-19 Boys’ Singles. Nibovi reached the semi-finals of the U-13 Boys’ Singles, while David Sema and Kihika.G. Sumi were semi-finalists in the Veteran Men’s Doubles.
The achievements were highlighted during the programme, with appreciation expressed for the players for bringing laurels to Zunheboto District and the state.
The 13th Inter-Departmental Tournament is expected to further strengthen sports culture among government departments while providing an opportunity for employees to foster teamwork, friendship and healthy competition. The event also seeks to encourage youth talent and reinforce confidence in the next generation, with a collective call for greater cooperation and positive engagement for the overall development of Zunheboto.
A special number was presented by Sakupu K Awomi.
The programme was chaired by Tourist Officer, Zunheboto, Lentina Longkumer. It began with an invocation by Pastor, SBCZ, Ghunato Assumi, followed by the welcome address delivered by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, Shaying Sheu.
