Senapati: XXth Hill Districts Badminton Championship, 2022 was graced by L. Dikho, MLA, 48-Mao AC as the chief guest and Brig. P.S. Arora, Commander, 22 Sector, Assam Rifles as special guest in the presence of I.K. Muivah, IPS, IGP (Admin) and other CSO leaders. The event was organised at Multi-Purpose Indoor Hall, Rikhumai Taphou, Senapati and hosted by the Senapati District Badminton Association (SDBA).
Mahesh Chaudhari, IAS, DC, Senapati in his welcome note stated that Senapati district is known in the field of badminton in the hills districts of Manipur for so many years. The DC also welcomed all participants from other hill districts and wished the players to feel at home.
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L.M. Khaute, IPS, DGP (Retd), MLA and President, Hill Districts Badminton Association, Manipur (HDBAM) in his keynote stated that ever since the HDBAM was formed in the year 2002, the association has marched forward and evolved itself as one of the most important and powerful sports bodies in Manipur. Since its inception, the President mentioned that the association has been holding annual championship under the aegis of Hill Districts Badminton Association, Manipur (HDBAM). Year after year, the championship is reportedly organised by hill district on rotation basis. The last championship was reportedly held in Chandel district. The HDBAM President on behalf of the association condoled the untimely demise of (Late) Louno Andrew who was the former President of SDBA. The sole objective and purpose of the championship is stated to promote sports especially badminton amongst the sporting fraternity of the hill people. As badminton is a very lively and healthy game, once a person starts to play badminton, it is stated to be very difficult to give up. Besides organising the championship annually, the HDBAM President also stated that participants from different hill districts come to know each other’s culture and way of life leading to healthy life style. The Hill Districts Badminton Association, Manipur over the years has reportedly achieved tremendous success by producing three very prominent international badminton players who had brought laurels to the state and district including Andrew Lotzem, Kyoveio Vemai and Kalo Truman. The MLA and President is very hopeful that the three players would bring big laurels to the state and country as well. Hill Districts Badminton Association, Manipur is also reported not to confine in hill districts alone but plays a very proactive role in Manipur Badminton Association (MBA) who are a part of the MBA whose objective lies to integrate with the MBA and move ahead shoulder to shoulder in their endeavour to promote badminton game. The President also extended his credit to the MBA for their support to organise such championships successfully.
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Speaking as the chief guest, MLA L. Dikho lauded the HDBAM for the great achievements they have achieved till date. Having participated in such championships held at different hill districts, the MLA expressed happiness to participate in such championships and called as memorable one. MLA Dikho stated that Senapati was the weakest at the start of the championship. However, players had improved magnificently after some years who lauded the district players to be doing so well. Sports is stated to be very important for different reasons which is a very big industry for the youth. While Manipur although a small state has produced very well known sportspersons over the past and sports is reported to have given employment to thousands. Sportspersons can become rich people while others cannot, he said. As an MLA, L. Dikho asserted that importance should be given in sports sector and focus on this area.
While urging all to turn to sportspersons, the chief guest also stated that one can turn to extraordinary personal if one indulges to sports which would lead to change oneself spiritually, morally and physically.
MBA has reportedly extended assistance technically to organise the championship. More than 400 players are reportedly participating at the event for different categories and genders which would continue till October 27.
Nine Hill districts of Ukhrul, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Noney, Senapati, Tamenglong, Churachandpur, Kamjong and Tengnoupal are taking part in the championship.
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