Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 30 (EMN): An inter-departmental badminton tournament will be held in Kohima for the first time, on October 22 and 23 at the Assembly Secretariat Stadium.
Principal Director of School Education, Shanavas C, who is also one of the organising members, said that none had taken such initiatives despite Kohima being the state capital and having maximum government offices and units.
In other districts, the inter-departmental games and sports events are usually conducted from time to time but it will be the first for Kohima, he informed while addressing a press conference at his office chamber on Thursday.
‘Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, such events could not be conducted last year. But with relaxations, the first tournament will be held by strictly following the Covid appropriate behaviours.
‘This kind of event is needed for coordination and convergence among government departments and different units. People get to know each other and develop contacts through this sort of event, which helps in working better in the long run. The coordination from various levels of government functionaries is very important. Further, it will help improve one's health’, he said.
He appealed to all the departments and units of the district to come forward and participate in the tournament.
It is expecting a near hundred teams to turn up for the tournament. Further, MLAs and ministers are also expected to participate in the exhibition matches.
Registration is already open and forms can be submitted on or before October 13 at the Directorate of School Education.
The team categories include men's doubles (two teams from each department), women's doubles (one team from each department), and mixed doubles (one team from each department). The entry fee has been fixed at INR 2000 per team.
Winners will take away INR 12,000 while runners-up will receive INR 8000 (for each category).
The officer further informed that the organisers want to support some of the upcoming badminton players in the state, especially those from financially weaker background, by sponsoring them with badminton gears and kits. 'Hopefully, we will be able to save some money and support them', he added.
The tournament is being organised by inter-department badminton club, an initiative of eight officers from various department including School Education, Treasuries and Accounts, Information Technology, and Kohima Smart City Development Ltd.