Nagaland: NIAPA NE open Table Tennis tourney kicks off in Chümou

The 5th NIAPA Northeast Open Table Tennis Tournament commenced on Thursday at the NIAPA Mini Stadium, Chümoukedima, with DIG Border, Government of Nagaland, Imnalensa, gracing the inaugural ceremony as the special guest.
The opening programme began with a blessing by Pastor Vilopu Yeptho of Faith Baptist Church, Dimapur, followed by the traditional gong ringing by the chief guest to formally declare the tournament open. Organized by the Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA), the championship has drawn more than 80 participants from Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura, making it one of the most competitive table tennis events in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Imnalensa urged players to consider themselves ambassadors of the sport and to uphold sportsmanship, discipline and dedication. He commended NIAPA for creating a platform to nurture young talent and provide exposure at higher levels of competition. Encouraging athletes to compete with belief and determination, he reminded them that “win or lose, you are all champions,” adding that every contest is fought twice—first in the mind and then on the table.
The tournament, which offers the highest cash awards in Northeast India, witnessed its first set of results in the Veteran Doubles category. Mizoram’s Laishram Bikram Singh and Meisanam Basantakumar Singh clinched the Masters Doubles (40+) title after defeating Assam’s Soneswar Deka and Anuram Sinha in a closely contested final. The Mizoram duo received Rs. 15,000 along with citations, while the runners-up took home Rs. 12,000. The semifinalists—Moa Lemtor and Juthsutho Phoji, along with Neitsilie Meru and Bengdang Longkumer—were awarded Rs. 4,000 each.
In the Best Duo of Nagaland category, Kanish Jain and Hekito Sema will face Visasier Kevichusa and L. David in the final match scheduled for the concluding day.
The championship will continue on Day 2 with team events and the Under-21 category, promising further competitive action and showcasing emerging talent from across the Northeast.