DIMAPUR, SEP 17 (NPN): The 13th Inter-Departmental Tournament of Zunheboto district was inaugurated on September 17 at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Zunheboto, with Advisor for Food & Civil Supply, Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection, and Chairman of Urban Local Bodies & Village Council Committee, K. Tokugha Sukhalu as the special guest.
According to DIPR, the three-day tournament, organised by the District Planning & Development Board (DPDB), Zunheboto, is being held from September 17 to 19 to promote sportsmanship, camaraderie and a healthy sporting culture among government employees and departments.
Addressing the gathering, Sukhalu highlighted the importance of sports in nurturing discipline, confidence, teamwork and positive values among the younger generation. He encouraged young people to channel their energy and talents towards constructive pursuits.
Sukhalu said the trust placed in him by the people of Zunheboto carried a responsibility to work for the development and progress of the district. He called upon government departments, officials and all sections of society to extend their cooperation and work collectively towards the betterment of Zunheboto.
He emphasised that development could be achieved more effectively through collective effort, mutual cooperation and a shared commitment to the welfare of the people.
District Sports Officer, Zunheboto, Anguvito Sumi, administered the oath, following which Sukhalu formally declared the tournament open. The programme also highlighted the recent achievements of players from the Zunheboto District Badminton Association (ZDBA) at the 48th Inter-District & State Badminton Championship 2026 held in Mokokchung.
At the championship, Likupu and Linokivi emerged champions in the U-13 Girls’ Doubles, while Liviya and Alo won the U-15 Girls’ Doubles. Liviya also claimed the U-15 Girls’ Singles title, while Hivi and Titoka emerged winners in the U-17 Boys’ Doubles.
In the runners-up category, Mughakivi finished second in both the U-15 Boys’ Singles and U-19 Boys’ Singles. Nibovi reached the semi-finals of the U-13 Boys’ Singles, while David Sema and Kihika G. Sumi were semi-finalists in the Veteran Men’s Doubles. The achievements were acknowledged during the programme, with appreciation extended to the players for bringing laurels to Zunheboto district and the state. A special number was presented by Sakupu K. Awomi.
The programme was chaired by Tourist Officer, Zunheboto, Lentina Longkumer. It began with an invocation by Pastor, SBCZ, Ghunato Assumi, followed by a welcome address from Additional Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto, Shaying Sheu.
