DIMAPUR, SEP 4 (NPN): The first Inter-Department Table Tennis Tournament, organised by the NIAPA Khelo India Centre in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources & Sports (YR&S), Government of Nagaland, was inaugurated at the Indoor Stadium, Officers’ Hill, Kohima, on September 4.
MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, graced the inaugural programme as the guest of honour and declared the tournament open.
Congratulating NIAPA, led by Akuonuo Khezhie Yhome, for its sustained efforts in promoting Naga talent, Dr. Rhütso said the tournament could serve as a platform to strengthen coordination and understanding among government departments.
Drawing an analogy from table tennis, he said the table between players and departments could also be seen as a bridge connecting people and institutions. He noted that the sport requires players to make quick decisions on whether to serve, return, attack or defend within fractions of a second, adding that timely decision-making and adaptability were equally important in life and public service.
Dr. Rhütso expressed hope that the tournament would foster friendship, closer coordination and a stronger commitment to delivering better public services. He also recalled that 25 table tennis tables had been distributed to various colonies in his constituency and hoped some of the beneficiaries were taking part in the tournament. He encouraged the people of Nagaland to remain open-minded and move beyond divisions and “isms”.
Welcoming the participants, Managing Director, NIAPA and Proprietor, NIAPA Khelo India Centre, Akuonuo Khezhie Yhome said the tournament aimed to promote table tennis, provide competitive exposure and create greater opportunities for sportspersons in the State.
She highlighted NIAPA’s initiatives in youth empowerment and table tennis development, including the NIAPA Northeast Open Table Tennis Championship, which has completed five editions since 2021.
Akuonuo said the initiative also sought to strengthen collaboration between the State Government and NIAPA and contribute towards building a stronger sporting ecosystem in Nagaland. She said the tournament was not merely about winning a trophy, but also about promoting the sport, encouraging interaction and enabling participants to learn from experienced public servants.
A total of 21 government departments are participating in the tournament, with 11 departments engaging 11 leading table tennis players from Nagaland.
Tiameren Chang, NCS, Joint Secretary, Department of Youth Resources & Sports, said the event provided an opportunity for employees from different departments to come together, interact and share professional experiences. He said the State Government envisioned building a strong sports ecosystem in Nagaland and described the tournament as a celebration of fitness, sportsmanship and discipline.
The tournament is being supported by the Department of Youth Resources & Sports and brings together government departments and leading table tennis players with the broader objective of strengthening the sporting culture and development of table tennis in the State.
Earlier, Additional Director, YR&S, Jakedovo Chase chaired the inaugural programme, while Chief Umpire Diganto Mahato administered the oath. Sporting legend Kezhaleü Keretsü was also honoured during the programme.
