1st Mithun-Rhino Pickleball C’ship underway

The “Inaugural Mithun-Rhino Pickleball Championship 2026” organised by Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA), commenced on Saturday at The Fitness House (TFH), Dimapur, marking a historic milestone for the sport in Nagaland and the Northeast.
The two-day championship is regarded as Nagaland’s first major interstate pickleball competition and is aimed to promote youth engagement, healthy living, and sporting camaraderie across the region.
A total of 45 players, 27 from Nagaland and 18 from Assam, are participating in the tournament, and would compete for six categories in the open division and four categories under the interstate segment.
Speaking at the inaugural programme as the chief guest, NLA Speaker, Sharingain Longkumer extended warm welcome to the visiting players from Assam, stating that their presence reflected the strong relationship and sporting spirit shared between the two neighbouring states.
He also expressed appreciation for the symbolic naming of the championship, noting that the Mithun, representing Nagaland and Rhino, representing Assam, was a symbol of strength, pride, and identity, values that resonate deeply with the people of the region.
Highlighting the growing popularity of Pickleball, Longkumer said the sport was known for its energy and accessibility, making it suitable for people of all ages.
He also observed that the game was expanding rapidly across the country, including the state, and commended efforts of NPA and Assam Pickleball Association (APA) for collaborating to organise the championship.
Encouraging the players, he urged them to “win with humility and lose with grace” adding that such virtues reflect character, discipline, and teamwork, and expressed hope that the championship would serve as a platform to celebrate youth and emerging talent.
Delivering his address as the honoured guest, senior vice president, NPF, Charlie Sekhose, also congratulated NPA for organising the championship and for its efforts in promoting Pickleball in the state.
He stated that sports have always played vital role in bringing people together, while instilling values such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
He later noted that participation of players from Assam and Nagaland reflected the spirit of unity and friendship fostered through sports.
Emphasising the broader significance of sporting events, he said that sports was not only about winning but also about learning, growing, and building stronger relationships between communities.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by vice president NPA, Kakivi Chishi, invocation offered by president, Asia Highland Partners, Dr. Husezo Rhakho and welcome address by president NPA, Nathan Kaurinta Zeliang.
A short greetings message was also delivered by secretary APA and Northeast Development Officer IPA, Nazneen Rahman.