Inter-district and open badminton C’ship begins in Pfutsero

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Aug. 9 (EMN): The 42^nd inter-district and state open badminton championship, organised by the Nagaland Badminton Association (NBA) and hosted by Phek district badminton association (PDBA), got underway in Pfutsero on Friday.

A total of 301 players from 11 districts including Nagaland police have registered for the championship.

Speaking at the inaugural function, minister of planning and coordination and land revenue, Neiba Kronu, exuded confidence that Naga youth could excel in the field of badminton. While citing example that badminton is dominated by the South East Asian countries, he was optimistic Nagas could also excel in badminton.

Also speaking on the occasion, advisor of youth resources and sports, Zale Neikha, advised the players to put more focus on the game and play with full dedication stating that Nagas have the potential to compete with others in the field of badminton. He informed that the state government is contemplating to stop giving grant-in-aid to non performing sports associations in the state.

While stating that grant-in-aid was primarily designed to assist the concerned associations for holding and promotion of sports tournaments, he stated that the new sports policy at the final stage. He said the cabinet would sit soon over it and approve the same accordingly.

NBA senior vice president, Dr. Watizulu Suzumeren, stated that “NBA is one of the most active sports associations today in the state.” He stated that the association has been religiously conducting mega event in the form of inter- district and state open badminton championship for the past 42 years.

He added that NBA had introduced Under 11 and 9 years category for the first time in Nagaland from this year in preparation to produce badminton stars. He said the association would also be coming up with its website for players.

“We are also considering bringing an Indonesian coach on a trial basis during coaching camp for the North east zonal national badminton championship to be held at Dimapur in the first week of October,” he said adding that NBA would get international standard 8 court indoor stadium at Dimapur. He also informed that the association is also working towards starting badminton academy.

The tournament would culminate on August 12.