37th Mokokchung District Badminton Open Championship begins

MOKOKCHUNG — The 37th Mokokchung District Badminton Open Championship, organised by the Mokokchung District Badminton Association (MDBA), commenced at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Mokokchung, on Thursday.

Running until July 12, the three-day tournament features 122 players competing in 123 matches across 19 categories.

During the inaugural Imtiyapang, MMC Councillor and special guest, unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances, shared a message extending warm greetings and apologising for his absence.

In the message, he acknowledged the dedication of the MDBA and remarked that Mokokchung’s badminton players are fortunate to have an active association promoting young talent despite infrastructure challenges. He encouraged the players to make the most of the available resources and to strive for excellence.

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Imtiyapang stated that badminton is particularly suited to Naga youth, emphasising that it depends more on agility, technique, and mental strength than on physical stature.

He said that unlike sports such as football or basketball, badminton offers a genuine opportunity to excel, but he cautioned that a lack of discipline prevents many talented youths from succeeding.

In this connection, he encouraged the players to adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically their own. He also urged them to cultivate discipline, passion, and sportsmanship.

He said that not everyone would reach the top, but the journey, discipline, and healthy lifestyle make every player a winner. He also encouraged participants to play fairly and allow badminton to shine.

Imomar, president of the MDBA, announced on the occasion that top performers would be selected for a 12-day intensive coaching camp under Manipur-based coaches to prepare for the Inter District and State Open Badminton Championship, scheduled from July 29 to August 1 in Chümoukedima district.

Reflecting on past performances, he noted that their players consistently brought laurels, but they had not clinched the overall title in recent years. He said they were determined to bring it home this time. Expressing confidence, he added that their players were performing well and that they were looking forward to a strong showing.

The ongoing tournament features a diverse range of categories, including U-9 boys’ and girls’ singles; U-11 boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles; U-13 boys’ singles and doubles and girls’ singles; U-15 boys’ singles and doubles, and girls’ singles; U-17 boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles; U-19 boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles; men’s singles and doubles; women’s singles; and veteran doubles for the 35+, 40+, 45+, and 50+ age groups.