DIMAPUR, JUL 9 (NPN): The inaugural Kohima District Inter High School Badminton Tournament got underway on July 8 at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Officers’ Hill, Thegabakha, with Director of School Education, Razouseyi Vese, attending as the special guest.
According to DIPR, Vese while addressing the inaugural programme, congratulated the Kohima District Badminton Association (KDBA) for organising the tournament and commended its efforts to promote badminton at the grassroots level. He said sports play a vital role in instilling discipline, teamwork, perseverance and leadership among young people while contributing to their physical and mental well-being.
He encouraged the participants to make the best use of the opportunity by competing with dedication, upholding the spirit of sportsmanship and maintaining a balance between academics and sports. Vese also urged parents, teachers and the community to continue supporting young athletes, expressing confidence that such initiatives would help produce sportspersons capable of representing Nagaland and the country. He later declared the tournament open.
Earlier, KDBA president Kezhalezo Solo, in his welcome address, said the tournament was organised to promote unity, sportsmanship and friendship among schools while providing a platform for budding shuttlers to showcase their talent. He called on participants to uphold the values of fair play, discipline, mutual respect and teamwork throughout the competition.
Speaking on the objective of the tournament, KDBA vice president (Administration), Kekhrie Pfukha, said the championship seeks to nurture young talent while fostering character, resilience and teamwork through sports. Referring to the tournament theme, “Serving Dreams, Scoring the Future,” he said the association remained committed to identifying and developing promising players through structured coaching and competitive exposure.
He also stressed the need for greater support from parents, schools and the community to strengthen grassroots sports development.
The programme began with an invocation by Pastor Chandmari Fellowship, Kohima Ao Baptist Church, Dr. S. N. Among Jamir. Students of Stella Higher Secondary School, Kohima presented a special song, while the programme was chaired by KDBA honorary secretary, Thepfuvizo Peter Vizo.
