NIAPA paddlers dominate Inter-KIC Table Tennis tourney

KOHIMA, AUG 18 (NPN): NIAPA Chümoukedima players emerged among the top performers in the second edition of the Inter-Khelo India Centre (KIC) Table Tennis Tournament, with their paddlers securing titles in the Boys’ U-14, U-12 and U-10 categories.
The tournament, organised by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland, is being held from August 17 to 19 at Hall A, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
In the Boys’ U-14 category, V Shepeka Yeptho of NIAPA Chümoukedima secured the first position.
NIAPA Chümoukedima also produced the winner in the Boys’ U-12 category, with Mhachan Ranthang claiming the top spot. Gihuka Swu of Baptist Higher Secondary School, Tseminyu finished second, while Ruyelo Kent of the same school secured third position. In the Boys’ U-10 category, Paul Sante of NIAPA Chümoukedima emerged champion.
In the girls’ events, Yimsiyenla of Indoor Stadium, Tuensang secured the first position in the U-14 category.
In the Girls’ U-12 category, Nichen Apon of Baptist Higher Secondary School, Tseminyu emerged winner, while Shyerhunye Semy of Tseminyu finished second.
The tournament was inaugurated on August 18, with Joint Director, Department of Youth Resources & Sports, Nyuvitho Nyuthe chairing the inaugural programme. The invocation was offered by Veculu Thisa, Girls’ Warden, IG Academy.
Speaking as the special guest, Joint Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Youth Resources & Sports Department, Tiameren Chang, said the state government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, was committed to promoting sports.
Chang said table tennis not only instilled discipline among players but also helped develop their reflexes. He urged the participants to play with confidence and sportsmanship and to maintain respect for fellow players. He subsequently declared the tournament open.
The Inter-KIC tournament is being organised by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports as part of efforts to provide competitive exposure to young table tennis players through the Khelo India Centre framework.