DIMAPUR, OCT 7 (NPN): Deputy Chief Minister for Planning & Transformation and National Highways, T.R. Zeliang, inaugurated the 12th Peren District Inter-Departmental Tournament 2026 at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Jalukie, on Wednesday. The three-day tournament, which will conclude on October 9, features competitions in badminton, futsal, carrom, arm wrestling, table tennis and chess.
Addressing the gathering as the special guest, Zeliang expressed appreciation to the district administration and the Department of Youth Resources & Sports (DYRS) for organizing the annual event. He highlighted the role of sports in fostering unity and camaraderie among government employees serving in different capacities across departments.
The deputy chief minister said that while government personnel work as clerks, engineers, teachers, officers and staff in various sectors, sports provide a common platform where they can come together as teammates and friendly competitors. He noted that sporting activities help promote discipline, patience, fair play and respect for rules while strengthening professional relationships.
Urging participants to uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship, Zeliang encouraged them to accept both victory and defeat gracefully and use the tournament as an opportunity to build stronger bonds with colleagues.
Highlighting the responsibilities of government employees, he stated that government service is a trust placed upon them by the people. Emphasizing that public servants are “servants and not masters,” he reminded officials that citizens approaching government offices expect sincere and timely services, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The deputy chief minister also stressed the importance of punctuality and accountability in public service. Appreciating the implementation of the PIM System, he said that effective systems help ensure transparency and responsibility among employees.
Zeliang further stated that the government is making concerted efforts to improve working and living conditions for its employees through the construction of office buildings and residential quarters across the district. Referring to the recently constructed office and residential quarters for the District Sports Officer, Peren, he said such infrastructure enables officers and staff to remain at their stations and serve the public more effectively.
“When the government invests in improving the working conditions of its employees, it is only fair that the people receive sincere and committed service in return,” he remarked, urging government employees to remain punctual, courteous and accountable.
Drawing a lesson from sports, he observed, “A good player does not need the referee’s whistle to remember the rules, and a good officer does not need a warning to remember his duty.”
Expressing hope that the tournament would strengthen inter-departmental cooperation and teamwork, Zeliang called upon employees to carry the same spirit of unity into their workplaces and work towards making Peren District a model of honesty, responsiveness and people-friendly administration.
The inaugural programme was chaired by physical instructor of Sports, DYRS Peren, Azhato Nyekha. ADC Peren D. Robin delivered the welcome address, followed by a special presentation by the Peren District Music Society. The oath was administered by District Sports Officer Wutsutho, after which the deputy chief minister formally declared the tournament open.
