The Wokha District Badminton Association (WDBA) on March 28 organised a one-day badminton tournament, Catch Them Young, for boys and girls under the age categories of 11, 13 and 15 (singles and doubles) at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Wokha.

WDBA informed that more than 20 young players are currently being trained under Khelo India with the guidance of a professional coach. It added that the tournament was aimed at identifying raw talents at an early age to groom them into professionals capable of representing the district in various categories.

Altogether, 158 students from 13 schools competed in singles and doubles championships across the three age groups.

In the U-11 girls’ singles, Grace L Ngullie of Brighter High School emerged champion while Ayesha Begum of Little Angels’ School finished runner-up. In the boys’ category, Rikhyo T Ezung of Gilgal High School clinched the title, with Meribemo Ngullie of LMHSS, Wokha taking the runners-up spot.

In the U-13 girls’ singles, Lichibeni T Humtsoe of Mount Sinai School won the championship, while her schoolmate Chumlano T Humtsoe secured the runners-up position. Lansothung Humtsoe of Khelo India bagged the boys’ singles title, with Samuel Y Angh of Perennial School finishing runner-up.

In the U-15 girls’ singles, Chumdeno Humtsoe of DBHSS Wokha claimed the championship, while Abigail Ezung of Gilgal High School finished runner-up. Elishan Ngullie of Khelo India won the boys’ singles title, with Milonshan Humtsoe of Mount Sinai School taking the runners-up spot.

Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

In doubles events, Lichibeni T Humtsoe and Chumlano T Humtsoe of Mount Sinai School won the U-13 girls’ doubles, while Eyingrhoni Ezung and Jandeno Ezung of DBHSS Wokha finished runner-up. In the boys’ doubles, Liron Kikon and Tonovi H Shohe of Isaiah Ability School bagged the title, while Sadik Ahmed and Mahmudul Hassan of Little Angels’ School finished runner-up.

For U-15 girls’ doubles, Chumdeno Humtsoe and Lumvoni Chezia Kikon of DBHSS Wokha emerged champions, while Sarokhaibam Lanchenbi Chani and Nibidita Chakrabarty of Little Angels’ School finished runner-up. In the boys’ doubles, Milochan and Chumthungo of Mount Sinai School clinched the title, while Erenthung Yanthan and Rhonbemo Y Ezung of St. Peter’s School, Longsa finished runner-up.

In the closing and prize distribution, winners were awarded certificates, cash prizes and medals across all categories. Mount Sinai School topped the overall medal tally with three gold medals.