DIMAPUR, SEP 5 (NPN): The 1st Inter-Department Table Tennis Tournament, organised by the NIAPA Khelo India Centre, Chümoukedima, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, concluded at the Indoor Stadium, Officers’ Hill, Kohima, on September 5.
According to DIPR, Advisor, Youth Resources & Sports, S. Keoshu Yimchunger while speaking at the closing ceremony, described the tournament as a positive initiative that provided government employees an opportunity to remain physically active, build friendships across departments and promote a healthy working environment.
He expressed hope that the tournament would become a regular event with wider participation in the coming years and suggested inclusion of more sporting disciplines.
Yimchunger emphasised that sports was not merely about winning medals and trophies but also about instilling discipline, dedication, teamwork, sportsmanship and the determination to improve.
He also stressed the need to give greater attention to grassroots and age-group development, particularly in the Under-10, Under-15 and Under-20 categories.
He called upon the Department, sports associations, coaches, schools, parents and other stakeholders to work together to identify and nurture talented young athletes.
The Advisor said Nagaland has considerable sporting talent and that young athletes need proper coaching, facilities, exposure, competition and opportunities to realise their potential.
He informed that the Department of Youth Resources & Sports was working on initiatives to provide deserving athletes with advanced coaching and exposure outside the country.
He urged parents to encourage children who demonstrate sporting talent, acknowledging that supporting young athletes requires time, financial resources and personal sacrifice.
He said such sacrifices could ultimately contribute to the achievements of the children.
Yimchunger said the goal should not be limited to producing athletes capable of competing at the State level but should focus on enabling Naga sportspersons to excel at national and international competitions.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of the Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA), Akuonuo Khezhie Yhome, expressed gratitude to the participating departments, players and officials for their enthusiastic participation and sportsmanship.
She informed that 22 departments took part in the tournament, with 58 team matches comprising 174 individual matches, along with 45 individual matches, being played during the competition.
Yhome described the tournament as an encouraging experience that brought together people from different backgrounds through sport.
She also thanked the organisers, volunteers, referees, umpires and others involved in the successful conduct of the event, with special appreciation to NIAPA Khelo India Coach Metevito Kintso for his contribution from the planning stage.
The tournament concluded with competitions in the Open Singles and Team Event categories.
In Open Singles, Alberto LR Rauta emerged champion and received a cash prize of Rs. 8,000, while Seyievilie Seyie finished second with Rs. 5,000.
Ihubuing Haikube secured third place and received Rs. 3,000, while Mhasivi Miachieo finished fourth. In the Team Event, NPWD (EnC) emerged champion and received Rs. 20,000.
The Office of the Accountant General finished second with Rs. 15,000, while the Department of Youth Resources & Sports secured third place and received Rs. 10,000. Directorate of Geology & Mining finished fourth with Rs. 5,000.
