Hornbill Festival Invitational Badminton C’ship from Dec 2 to 5

DIMAPUR, NOV 6 (NPN): The Hornbill Festival Invitational Badminton Championship 2026 will be held from December 2 to 5, 2026, at the Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence, Sovima, Chümoukedima, bringing badminton to Nagaland’s premier cultural festival. The championship is being organised in collaboration with the Directorate of Tourism, the Department of Youth Resources & Sports and the Nagaland Badminton Association, with the support of the Government of Nagaland.
According to the organisers, the championship seeks to promote badminton while showcasing Nagaland’s cultural heritage and hospitality. The event carries a total prize pool of Rs. 9 lakh and invites participation from across India and abroad.
Competitions will be conducted in nine categories, including Under-15 Girls’ Singles, Under-17 Boys’ Doubles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and various age-based men’s doubles categories. The age-based categories are determined by the combined ages of the two partners, subject to specified minimum individual age requirements.
The organisers stated that the championship aims to provide local players with competitive exposure, encourage youth participation in badminton and strengthen friendships through sporting exchange. It is also expected to offer badminton enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy competitive matches and support the state’s sporting aspirations.
In addition to the sporting events, planned attractions include traditional tribal huts and stalls, local delicacies and other cuisines, souvenirs, traditional games, a children’s play area and evening music and karaoke. Tour packages to the Hornbill Festival in Kohima will also be available for visiting participants.
The organisers said the championship seeks to broaden the Hornbill Festival experience by bringing sport and culture together while promoting Nagaland as a destination for cultural tourism and sporting events. The organising committee has invited players, sports lovers, families and visitors to take part in the event.
Entries for the championship will close on November 25, 2026, and may be submitted to nagalandba@gmail.com. For participation enquiries, interested individuals may contact at 70056 84949.