The Progressive Shuttlers Club (PSC), a badminton club based in Dimapur, commenced its Invitational Badminton Championship in memory of its deceased club members, at the Indoor Stadium, Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex, Dimapur, on Wednesday.
Delivering his message at the inaugural ceremony as the special guest, chairman, Development Authority of Nagaland (DAN), vice president, Badminton Association of India (BAI), and senior vice president, Nagaland Badminton Association (NBA), Dr. Watizulu Süzümeren Jamir, paid tribute to the deceased members, and commended the club for remembering them through the spirit of sport.
Reflecting on involvement in the sport, he remarked that this was perhaps the first instance of a tournament being organized specifically in memory of deceased club members.
He also highlighted the status of Badminton in the state, asserting that while the sport has been played in Nagaland for over 40 to 50 years, it was yet to gain significant recognition beyond the North Eastern region.
He however expressed hope that with initiatives and growing support from local clubs, badminton in the state would soon reach greater heights.
“We are working towards a future where Nagas can shine in badminton at the national and international levels”, he said, wishing all participants the very best. He also warmly welcomed players from other states to the growing badminton fraternity in the state.
Short speeches were also delivered by family members of the deceased, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to PSC for honouring their loved ones in such a meaningful way.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by PSC general secretary, H. Akaito Sema, while PSC President, M. Daniel Lotha, delivered the welcome address, and a moment of silence observed to honour of the deceased members.
Meanwhile, providing a brief overview of the tournament, Daniel shared that a total of 76 teams registered for the tournament, and also drew players from across the North East, including 12 to 14 players from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
He added that the tournament is being officiated by BAI-certified technicians and umpires to ensure professional standards. He further informed that the invitational tournament features seven categories, Men’s Doubles, Men’s Doubles 100, Boys’ Singles (Under-15), Girls’ Singles (Under-15), Boys’ Singles (Under-19), Girls’ Singles (Under-19), Mixed Doubles 45, and Men’s Doubles 80.
He later added that winners in the Under-15 and Under-19 categories will receive Rs. 15,000, while runners-up will take home Rs. 12,000, while for the other categories, first prize was set at Rs. 20,000, and the second prize at Rs. 12,000.