Organized by the Nagaland Badminton Association, the 2nd phase of the Li-Ning 47th Nagaland State Sub-Junior & Masters Badminton Championship culminated on 3rd September, 2025 at K Kire, IPS Indoor Stadium, Nagaland Police Complex and Multi Disciplinary Stadium at Sovima, Chumoukedima.
Speaking at the closing ceremony as a Special Guest, Advisor DUDA, Geology & Mining, W. Chingang Konyak, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the organisers, coaches, parents and young players who have displayed remarkable talent, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. He said that, Badminton is more than just a sport, it is one of the best ways to nurture a healthy body and an agile mind, sharpens reflexes, builds stamina, improves focus, and instills discipline qualities that benefit us not just on the court, but in every walk of life.
He mentioned that Badminton provides great opportunities across the world, evolving into a professional career that offers tremendous possibilities. In recent years, Nagaland has made steady progress in developing its sports infrastructure and nurturing young talent, indoor stadiums, coaching academies, and state-level tournaments like this one that truly competes at the national and international levels. We must build a culture where sports are not seen merely as an extracurricular activity, but as a viable profession that deserves commitment, investment, and respect, he said.
Further, Konyak informed the young players that to strive for professional excellence, whether it be a professional athlete, a coach, a referee, or a sports manager, success in sports or as in life comes only through discipline, determination and continuous learning. Their talent is a starting point but their determination will decide how far they go. He also appealed to the parents, teachers and community to stand behind them and encourage them to dream big, to train hard and pursue sports with the same seriousness as any other career. In conclusion, he urged all to continue to work together to make Nagaland a hub of sporting talent and excellence and build the pathway that will make the dreams a reality.
The championship showcased players from 17 Districts of Nagaland and organized in a broad spectrum of age groups and categories - from Under-9 year old to Masters 65+ Veterans - making it one of the most inclusive badminton tournaments in the region. With events in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, the competition promises excitement for players, family of sports lovers alike.
This championship witnessed 335 entries and 319 players (267 male and 27 female) participated in 48 categories. The tournament witnessed 311 matches with a total of 24 events taking place in 6 courts. The Youngest Player of the competitions was recorded at 5 years and 10 months, Jenibemo Jami from wokha, while the Oldest Player was Bendangnukshi Jamir at 73 years from Chumoukedima.
The 48 categories were –Under 9 years for both boys and girls; Under 11 years Singles and Doubles (Boys and Girls); Under 13 years Singles and Doubles (Boys and Girls); Under 15 years Singles and Doubles (Boys and Girls); Under 17 years Singles and Doubles (Boys and Girls); Masters 35+ Singles/Doubles and Mixed Doubles (Men and Women) Masters 40+ Singles/Doubles and Mixed Doubles (Men and Women); Masters 45+ Singles/Doubles and Mixed Doubles (Men and Women); Masters 50+ Singles/Doubles and Mixed Doubles (Men and Women); Masters 55+ Singles/Doubles and Mixed Doubles (Men and Women); Masters 60+ Singles/Doubles and Mixed Doubles (Men and Women); Masters 65+ Singles/Doubles and Mixed Doubles (Men and Women).
A short address was proposed by President NBA & Vice President BAI, Dr. Watizulu Süzümeren, and a concluding Remark by Joint Secretary (Tournament) MBA, Er. Ichirang Zeliang. The ceremony culminated with a Final Exhibition match and distribution of prizes.
(Tovikali, IA, Chumoukedima)
