SENAPATI: A district-level badminton tournament organised under the SPANDAN initiative of Khelo India concluded at the Multi-Purpose Indoor Hall, Rikhumai Taphou, in Senapati district on Saturday.
The tournament, which began on November 3, was organised by the District Youth Affairs and Sports Office (DYASO), in collaboration with the district administration, Senapati District Badminton Association (SDBA) and District Khelo India Centre, Senapati.
The event was conducted under SPANDAN (Sports for Peace and Development Across Nations), an initiative of Khelo India, a flagship programme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
The closing ceremony was attended by Dharun Kumar S, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Senapati, as the chief guest, while Ngaonil Pani, Sub-Deputy Collector, Senapati, and Heshu Choro, President of SDBA, attended as special guests.
In his welcome address, PS John Longkhaye, Youth Officer, DYASO, Senapati, said that SPANDAN events are organised by various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and are also entrusted to concerned departments in coordination with Khelo India centres.
He informed that a total of 37 players participated in different categories of the tournament.
Addressing the gathering, deputy commissioner Dharun Kumar said badminton is a sport that brings together mathematics, physics and skill. He emphasised that discipline, courage and coordination with one’s partner are essential for success on the court.
While acknowledging the skills and stamina required in the game, he said that the effective utilisation of one’s abilities, coupled with discipline, plays a crucial role in performance.
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In the Under-15 and Under-19 girls’ categories, Saziinai Ruth, daughter of Narayan Sharma of Rikhumai Taphou, emerged champion, while P. Khuhriine, daughter of Kh. Punii Hopeson of Tunggam Khullen village, secured the runner-up position.
In the Under-15 boys’ category, Wimathonbou Z Newmai of Konphung village, Tamenglong district, clinched the championship, while Shelley Pouzhovei of Rikhumai Taphou finished as runner-up.
In the Under-19 boys’ category, Kalo Truman, son of Heny Luny Justin of Purul Akutpa village, secured the championship title, while Lungbi Eugene, son of Ng. James Shakpa of Maram Centre, finished as runner-up.
The winners were awarded medals, citations, trophies and a cash prize of Rs. 8,000 each, while the runners-up received medals, citations, trophies and a cash prize of Rs. 5,000 each.
