37th Mokokchung District Badminton Open Championship concludes

MOKOKCHUNG — The 37th Mokokchung District Badminton Open Championship, organised by the Mokokchung District Badminton Association (MDBA), wrapped up successfully at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Mokokchung, on July 12.

The three-day tournament saw 108 players, both male and female, competing across 27 categories, ranging from under-9 to 50+ veterans. Winners and runners-up across all categories were awarded certificates and medals.

Chief referee Moajungba, presenting the tournament synopsis, stated that the championship featured 123 matches. The championship served as a selection trial for the Mokokchung district team for the upcoming Inter-District Badminton Tournament in Chümoukedima from July 29 to August 1.

Also read: 37th Mokokchung District Badminton Open Championship begins

He announced that 55 standout players have been selected for a preparatory coaching camp starting from July 14 onwards.

The closing ceremony was attended by Longden Longkumer, managing director of LL Group, Dimapur, as the special guest.

In his address, Longkumer commended MDBA for its commitment to promoting badminton from grassroots to veteran levels. He also encouraged players to view setbacks as stepping stones to success. “The experience of failure should anchor your drive to excel in sports and life,” he added.

Longkumer urged athletes to embrace patience, discipline, and ambition while warning against the perils of alcoholism and substance abuse, which have ruined many talented athletes in their prime stage of progress and fame.

Longkumer expressed concern about disunity among the Ao, stating that their legacy as pioneers had become merely a name. In this regard, he called upon the Ao community to come together, encourage each other, and rise above individual differences for the betterment of future generations.

He also highlighted the Ao community’s creativity and encouraged the youth to blend their talents with the digital world to innovate and excel. He asserted that they should not target each other, emphasising that all they need is one voice, one target, and one way of thinking.