Ukhrul: In a major achievement for the Naga community in Manipur, Worleichan A. Shimray from the Tangkhul community and Kuurwar Roel from the Moyon community, have successfully passed the Umpires Grade-II Final Examination, conducted by the Badminton Association of India. The exam took place in Chennai from October 18 to 25, 2024. The BAI is affiliated to the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Asia Confederation.
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A total of 25 candidates who secured 60% and above marks in the Umpires Grade II final assessment were declared successful on November 6, included in the BAI National panel of Grade II Umpires. Of the all India 25 candidates, Toshiwapang T Lemtur of Nagaland and Rimanbha Lyngdoh of Meghalaya also cleared the exam — a total of 4 candidates from Northeast India.
Chan A. Shimray has notably become the first Tangkhul Naga woman and the first tribal woman from Manipur state to earn the title of National Umpire in badminton. She hails from Hunphun village in Ukhrul district, while Kuurwar Roel is from Kapaam (Komlathabi) village in Chandel district.
The duo are the first among tribal individuals in Manipur to achieve national-level recognition as certified umpires.
It is also worth noting that Oimps Lunghar, hailing from Teinem Village from Ukhrul made history in April 2024 by becoming the first Tangkhul individual to attain the prestigious SAI NS NIS Certified Badminton Coach designation in 40 years, marking a significant achievement after a four-decade gap, since Ms. Bala Keishing became an NS NIS Certified Badminton Coach in 1983. Oimps Lunghar completed the rigorous certification course at SAI NS Southern Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
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