Women shuttlers shine at Kohima’s first badminton tourney

KOHIMA — The first Women’s Badminton Tournament under the aegis of Kohima District Badminton Association (KDBA) and supported by SBM-U 2.0 Nagaland was held on Saturday at the NLA Badminton Stadium, Kohima.

A total of 28 players competed in the women’s doubles category. The winners received INR 10,000, runners-up INR 6,000, and the semifinalists INR 2,000 each.

One of the organisers, Kesoweu, said that the initiative was born out of the lack of platforms for women shuttlers in the state, where women’s categories in tournaments are often cancelled due to poor turnout.

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She stressed that the tournament was not just a competition but an effort to build a strong, supportive community of women players and to encourage them to make badminton a part of their lifestyle.

KDBA president and Excise Department secretary, Kovi Meyase, assured support in promoting the game among women, while Kezhochole Rhetso, Joint Director of Urban Development and SBM-U State Mission Director, spoke on the Swachhotsav initiative, linking sports with clean and green community practices.

Winners

First place: Nisino Nakhro and Akhum Rudy

Second place: Ruokuoneinuo and Hengwale Tep

Semifinalists: Thepfungunuo and Bernadette Meyase; Kesoweu Wetsah and Petekhrienuo