Chandel: The XIX Hill Districts Badminton Championships, 2021 hosted by All Chandel District Badminton was held on Tuesday at Indoor Stadium, Japhou Bazar, Chandel. Ts Newry and Khaling Kothyeldawn hosted the program.
T Pamei, IAS attended the opening ceremony as Chief Guest. Deputy Commissioner Chandel, M Rajkumar IAS, who is also the Chairman of the Organizing Committee attended the ceremony as functional president. Hl Lovingson, Social Worker and Vice-Presidnet of District Sports Association (DSA) Chandel and DB Kowar, Vice President, All Manipur Football Association (AMFA) cum Special Contractor are the guests of honour. SP, Chandel L Deben Singh, MPS, Commandant 1st IRB, Lunkhomang Khongsai, MPS, Addl SP Chandel, Augustine J. Khongsai, MPS, CNPO President, David Boyes, Indian junior coach (badminton) L Rinky also attended the program.
Voices in Tapestry opened the opening ceremony program with a beautiful song followed by invocation prayer from Rev. Huten Wilson, Executive Secretary ANBA. President All Chandel District Badminton Association, Ts Kothar in his welcome speech and introduction appreciated all the important dignitaries, delegates and special invitees for their kind support and participation. He extended his warm welcome and best wishes for a happy stay and participation to all the officials and delegates from 9 hill districts including the host.
Vice-President Hill District Badminton Association Manipur (HDBAM) MH Moon in his address note requested the members present to observe a ‘Silent Prayer’ in remembrance of late Rt Franky Anal (former general secy of HDBAM). He expressed his gratitude to all the important dignitaries and officials from respective districts on dais. He recounted the many difficulties when HDBAM was formed in 2002 and described the journey as a roller coaster ride. According to him, HDBAM affiliation with Manipur Badminton Association (MBA) in recent time for technical and logistic collaboration and support is a new chapter envisioning future prospects and partnership. He gave thanks to Shyam Kumar, Noarem Yonex enterprises for supplying shuttle cooks on many occasions. He concluded his speech by emphasizing that HDBAM and its federating units “to focus on youngsters below 11 years and nurture and guide them on professional lines for future prospects”.
Deputy Commissioner Chandel, M Rajkumar, in his speech mentions that “games and sports are generally neglected subject. Even in newspapers for instance, sports occupied the last column of the news bulletin.” He encouraged the participating delegates of the event to go out of comfort zone and try to live up at the edge by intermingling with diverse competitors from all sections cutting across hills and valleys. This will help the players to expand their horizon and aim for higher goals beyond district levels. He urged the players to play with game spirit and give their best with the spirit of true sportsmanship. Taking the opportunity, he also encouraged the eligible youths and public to get enrolled as an elector and exercise one’s right to vote in the upcoming State Assembly Election 2022. “May the XIX Hill Districts Badminton Championships, 2021 be a grand success. Take home fond memories from this tournament,” he concluded.
T Pamei in his speech as Chief Guest highlighted that through sports, unity and understanding can be achieved not only among the hill districts, but also with the Manipur Badminton Association (MBA). “It is through sports that we connect with one another. HDBAM’s immediate target is to send our boys and girls at national level. And may the 25th HDBAM edition in years to come may enable us to have players participating at the national and international levels. Thanks to ACDBA for inviting me and feel nostalgic coming back to Chandel, he remarked.
Benediction by Rev. Kh. John Monsang and declaration of championships by chief guest concluded the beautiful opening ceremony event.
According to ACDBA official report, altogether 315 delegates from 9 districts are participating the XIX Chamipionships held at Chandel.