Mokokchung is gearing up to host the Li Ning Northeast Invitational Badminton Tournament to commemorate 50 years of Badminton in Nagaland. Organised by the Mokokchung District Badminton Association under the aegis of Nagaland Badminton Association, the tournament is scheduled to take place from 12th to 15th December 2023, at the MDBA Stadium in Mokokchung Town.
At a press conference today, Lipok Jamir, Convenor of the Northeast Invitational Badminton Tournament, highlighted the significance of this tournament, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in Mokokchung’s badminton history. The three primary objectives include fostering healthy competition, popularising badminton in the region, and gathering insights from accomplished badminton individuals to realise the MDBA Vision 2040, which was introduced in 2015 with the aim of producing an Olympian in badminton by 2040.
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With a rich history of organising various activities, MDBA aims to address the challenge of producing champions beyond the state level. Recognising the need for a badminton academy, the association hopes to gain valuable knowledge on its management by hosting this tournament.
Players from Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Sikkim have already confirmed their participation, with expectations of more positive responses from the remaining states in the region.
The Northeast Invitational Badminton Tournament will feature six categories, Women’s Double, Men’s Double, Men’s 75+ Doubles, Men’s 85+ Doubles, Men’s 95+ Doubles and Men’s 105+ Doubles with a substantial prize pool of up to 4 lakhs. It also carry cash money for every match won by the players. The organising committee is striving to make the event a success, emphasising the crucial role of audience support.
To enhance the tournament experience, local entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to showcase their products through small stalls. While no accommodation will be provided, players from the Northeast are encouraged to register, and MDBA anticipates the participation of international players as well.
Highlighting the grandeur of the event, two exhibition matches featuring young district representatives will be showcased at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Northeast Invitational Badminton Tournament.
