DIMAPUR, OCT 11 (NPN): The Feathered Friends Club (FFC), Kohima Village, concluded the second edition of its badminton tournament at T. Khel Indoor Stadium on October 10, with 24 men’s doubles teams and four women’s doubles teams competing in the three-day event held from October 8 to 10.
In the men’s doubles category, Thajakhriezo Innocent Keyho and Vikuozo Pienyu emerged champions, while Khriemezo Linyü and Keneizotuo Tsiekha finished runners-up. Teisovise and Thejasevor, along with Kezhalezo Solo and Roland Pienyü, were the semi-finalists.
In the women’s doubles category, Thepfungunuo Kire and Neitseinuo Suokhrie clinched the title, while Khriezetuonuo Suokhrie and Khriengusanuo Khruomo finished runners-up. Thejasevor Suokhrie and Kikruvinuo Phoebe Rutsa received the emerging player awards in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. The men’s doubles champions received Rs. 20,000, while the runners-up were awarded Rs. 10,000. The two semi-finalist pairs received Rs. 5,000 each. In the women’s category, the champions received Rs. 10,000 and the runners-up Rs. 7,000. Both emerging player awardees received Rs. 2,000 each. The organisers stated that only two cash prizes were awarded in the women’s category as just four teams participated, against the minimum requirement of eight.
The citations and cash prizes were presented by tournament convenor Petevizo Peter Vizo and FFC president Sedevizo Zatsu. Technical director Teisovise Khruomo informed that the men’s doubles matches were played on a knockout basis, while the women’s doubles competition followed a league format. Altogether, 30 matches were played during the tournament.
Former MLA of 10 Northern Angami-I Assembly Constituency, Khriehu Liezietsu, attended the final matches as guest of honour.
Recalling his tenure as a legislator, Liezietsu said he had facilitated the construction of indoor stadiums for the four khels of Kohima Village — T. Khel, D. Khel, P. Khel and L. Khel. Expressing happiness over the use of the T. Khel facility, he said the stadium had become a place where people from different areas could come together, interact and build friendships.
Highlighting the importance of sports, Liezietsu said people took up games for different reasons, including professional pursuits, fitness and promotion of young talent, adding that all contributions were equally valuable.
Reminding participants that winning and losing were part of sports, he expressed encouragement at the enthusiasm shown by the players and urged the finalists to display good sportsmanship. He also wished the participants good health and continued fellowship.
FFC, a Kohima Village-based club comprising badminton enthusiasts and players, organised the tournament to provide a grassroots-level platform for local players, including club members, to develop their skills and prepare for higher-level competitions. The closing ceremony was chaired by chief referee Vikuonyü Solo. Nounengunuo Krütsü presented a special number, while Sedevizo Zatsu delivered the vote of thanks.
