KOHIMA — The 4th Inter-Department Badminton Tournament, Kohima Edition, is set to take place on August 16 and the 17th at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly's multi-purpose hall in the state capital.
Shanavas C, Secretary of Agriculture and State Project Director (FOCUS and ELEMENT), and the convenor of the tournament, made the announcement during a press conference at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, on Friday.
Shanavas said that the tournament will continue its tradition of fostering inter-departmental camaraderie and sportsmanship.
The tournament, which began in 2021 post the COVID-19 pandemic, will feature four categories: men's doubles, women's doubles, mixed doubles, and a special category for 50+ including legislators, ex- legislators and retirees.
While the entry fee remains the same at INR 2000 per team, the prize money this year has been enhanced, and the winners in each category will receive INR 20,000, and runners-up INR 10,000.
The application deadline is set for August 9. Interested players and departments can submit their application forms at designated locations: Okusa Toyota Showroom, opp. Hotel Blue Lagoon; Sports Inventory Centre near State Indoor Stadium or at Room No. 518, Directorate of School Education in Kohima.
For related information, one may contact 7085190662 or idbckohima@gmail.com.
To ensure inclusivity, the official informed players who have represented the state or participated in national or international tournaments to partner with an amateur player.
Also, all participants must be from departments based in Kohima, while categories with less than seven entries will be canceled.
Shanavas stressed that the tournament organised under the aegis of Inter-Department Badminton Club, Kohima, will emphasise on discipline with strict guidelines on behaviour and sportsmanship.
Players are required to wear team jerseys featuring their department's name. The organising committee's decisions will be final in case of any dispute.
Further, the convenor highlighted that the primary aim of the tournament is to promote badminton and foster coordination among the departments.
He reiterated the importance of the event in creating camaraderie among government employees, which extends beyond the court to their professional interactions.
Although only government servants are allowed to participate in the tournament, budding young players will also receive badminton kits as a token of encouragement to nurture their interest and talent in the sport during the two-day event.