Nagaland: First Late A. Oditenba Phom memorial badminton trophy concludes

The inaugural edition of the Late A. Oditenba Phom, Ex-MLA, Memorial Badminton Trophy 2026 concluded on January 22 at the Indoor Badminton Hall, Yachem. Organized by the Yachem Students’ Union along with the Organizing Committee, the tournament was held from January 20 to 22 in honour of the late leader’s enduring legacy.
Gracing the closing ceremony as special guest, proprietor of SHAMAKOK Constructions, S. Yanger Angh, encouraged young athletes and the student community to make full use of the badminton facility. He expressed hope that the hall would nurture promising talents capable of representing the district, state and even the nation in the future. He further emphasized that sports should foster unity among neighbouring villages, promoting harmony and collective development.
Remembering Late A. Oditenba Phom as a “true son of the soil” and a dedicated leader of the Phom people, Angh lauded his public service and thanked the sponsors’ family and the Yachem Students’ Union for instituting the trophy in recognition of his contributions. Village elders from Orangkong and leaders from across the district also attended the event.
The programme was chaired by Ngannyei N, with invocation by Deaconess of NBA, Imlijungla. O. Yanger Phom delivered the acknowledgment on behalf of the sponsors’ family, while member secretary of the Organizing Committee, Nokchem L, gave the closing remarks. A special song was presented by M. Longshing and the benediction was pronounced by pastor of YBA Rev. M. Adao.
Men’s Singles: Winner –B. Metom; Runner-up –Themmei Phom.
Women’s Singles: Winner –N. Moiden; Runner-up –L. Pongingangla.
Men’s Doubles (Veteran): Winner –P. Hamlen & N. Ngamba; Runner-up –Yingyulenba & Baüken
Men’s Doubles: Winner –Haulom Phom & B. Metom; Runner-up –Nokchem L & Themmei Phom
Special Awards – Men’s Player of the Tournament was bagged by Themmei Phom; Women’s Player of the Tournament by L. Pongingangla; and Emerging Player of the Tournament by C. Tokmei.