The 15th Kohima District Table Tennis Championship-cum-4th Inter-School Championship 2026 got underway on Thursday at the Kohima Indoor Table Tennis Stadium, bringing together more than 80 players across 13 categories.
The two-day championship, being held on August 14 and 15, features players from across Kohima district, including school-going youngsters, emerging talents, experienced players and veterans. The tournament aims to provide competitive exposure, encourage greater participation among school children and revive table tennis in the district.
This year’s championship holds particular significance as it could be among the last major tournaments at the existing Kohima Indoor Table Tennis Stadium before the proposed demolition of the old structure for construction of a new stadium.
For more than five decades, the stadium has been an important part of Kohima’s sporting history, serving as a training ground and meeting place for generations of table tennis players. While youngsters continue to learn the sport at the venue, veterans also regularly return for practice, fitness and fellowship.
The KDTTA said the sport had enjoyed considerable popularity and success in Kohima in the past, but subsequently went through a prolonged period of stagnation, particularly due to the absence of a regular coach for more than a decade.
In recent years, however, efforts by the KDTTA, senior players, veterans and parents, with support from the Government and the wider sports fraternity, have injected fresh momentum into the sport.
The Association has been conducting tournaments, encouraging regular practice and organising special coaching classes for young and aspiring players. The increasing participation of children has generated renewed optimism for the revival of table tennis in the district.
However, the KDTTA has expressed concern over the availability of an alternative venue during the transition from the old stadium to the proposed new facility.
The Association pointed out that table tennis requires continuous practice to maintain timing, footwork, stroke technique, reflexes and competitive sharpness. A prolonged interruption in training could adversely affect the development of young players and risk reversing the momentum achieved in recent years.
The KDTTA has, therefore, expressed hope that the Government will identify a suitable alternative indoor facility where players can continue year-round practice and coaching until the new stadium is completed.
The Association said continuity would be particularly important at a time when growing numbers of children are showing interest in the sport.
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Describing table tennis as a highly competitive sport requiring hand-eye coordination, agility, anticipation, balance and tactical intelligence, the KDTTA stressed that access to proper facilities and regular coaching remains fundamental to developing players at the grassroots level.
The old stadium, it said, represents more than a physical structure. It is a sporting space where generations of players learnt their first strokes, developed competitive skills and formed lasting friendships.
While welcoming the proposed modern stadium, the Association hoped the transition would not result in a loss of momentum for the sport.
Meanwhile, the KDTTA has invited parents, guardians, teachers, sports enthusiasts, senior players, well-wishers and table tennis lovers to attend the championship on August 15 and encourage the young participants.
G Rio School, Azedon School, Vineyard School, Northfield School and Living Tree School are competing for the 4th Inter-School Championship title.
The KDTTA also expressed gratitude to the family of Late Zunthungo Ovung for sponsoring the 4th Inter-School Championship trophies and the men’s and women’s singles prize money.
The Association said public attendance would not only encourage participating players but also provide an opportunity for the wider community to appreciate the speed, skill, discipline and sporting spirit associated with table tennis.
