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Players and officials posing for a photograph during the first Nagaland Premier Badminton League at the Indoor Badminton stadium in Kohima on May 29. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 29 (EMN): The first edition of the Nagaland Premier Badminton League (NBPL) organised by the Nagaland Badminton Club under the aegis of Nagaland Badminton Association got underway at the Indoor Badminton Stadium in Kohima on Wednesday May 29.
In group-A match, Raging Phoenix defeated Shuttle Rockers 5 – 2, while in the group-B match, Panama Shuttlers defeated Beits Badminton Club 4-3 in the first league round.
Addressing the inaugural function of the league as a special guest, deputy commissioner of Kohima (IAS) Anoop Khinchi said the league is a stepping stone to the professionalism of the game.
Sports not only maintain physical health but also help in sportsmanship and leadership as well. He urged the players to have determination, plan, and focus on whichever game they chose to play.
When it comes to sports, he felt that Nagas have a natural advantage in it. ‘Physically people are strong, they are full of talent,’ Khinchi said.
He said that one needs to work on it technically. ‘We have to have coaching camps’ where players can learn, train, and get exposure. He also encouraged professional coaches from outside state to train the players. He added that the administration will see to it about that.
Further, he urged the players to play with full sportsmanship. After all, participation is what matters. He encouraged them to learn from their down moments and take confidence to rise up again.
General Secretary of NBC, Joseph Sumi said the league was to create an opportunity for all fraternity of players particularly for the upcoming younger players as well as the master players (above 35). It aimed at establishing a platform for the growth of badminton in the state, he added.
The league ensures equal opportunity for both male and female player which in turn will promote a true identity of our state, he said. NPBL envisages of becoming a premier feeder league to all pro-league in and around the state represented by the team and core Nagaland state squad, Sumi said.
As for guideline, the league solely follows the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Association of India, and NBA, he added.
A team of six comprising 18-20 players each will vie for the title. The total prize money of INR 2, 30,000 along with trophy and certificates is set for the winner and runners-up of the league. Meanwhile, the individual awards include ‘Player of the League and Most Upcoming Player.
The categories for the league include U-15 for boys single, U-17 girls single, U-19 boys doubles, mens singles, mens doubles, mixed doubles (men-40+ and open for women), and men’s 85+ doubles.
The six participating teams are Raging Phoenix (Kohima), Panama Shuttlers (Mon), Shuttle Rockers (Dimapur), All Beats Kohima, Kohima Smashers, Beits Badminton (Kohima).