UTT Inter-District & State TT C’ship kicks off in Kohima

The UTT 28th Inter-District and State Table Tennis Championship began on Tuesday at the Indoor TT Stadium, Kohima, with Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs K.G. Kenye as the special guest at the inaugural programme. Organised by the Nagaland Table Tennis Association (NTTA), the championship will continue until October 3.
During the inaugural, Kenye extended greetings to participants, supporters and members of the media fraternity present at the event. He expressed his happiness at being part of the occasion.
Highlighting the origins of table tennis, Kenye said the sport originally called “Whiff-Waff” or “Ping Pong” began as a recreational activity among the English upper class during the Victorian era in the 1880s.
He explained that after meals, gentlemen and ladies would clear dining tables, place books as makeshift nets and use corks from wine bottles or cigarette packets as balls, while others cheered. The activity was formalised when James Devonshire patented it in 1885, and the first official tournament was held in London in 1902.
Kenye noted that the Table Tennis Federation of England was formed in 1921–22, leading to the establishment of the International Table Tennis Federation in 1926 with 217 members. He added that table tennis was officially included as an Olympic sport only in 1977. Referring to China, he said the country adopted the sport in 1901 and has since been a dominant global force.
Focusing on Nagaland, Kenye remarked that the Nagaland Table Tennis Association was established in 1972, five years prior to the sport’s Olympic recognition, and commended the pioneers for their foresight.
He recalled that earlier tournaments in the state saw participation from only five or six districts, while today, all 17 districts are represented. He expressed optimism that full participation from across the state would be achieved in the near future.
Acknowledging that table tennis had remained comparatively under-supported despite being an Olympic discipline, Kenye assured that the present government, on behalf of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, would take steps to strengthen the sport in Nagaland. He emphasised that such efforts would enable Naga players to compete at regional, national, and international levels, with the potential to win Olympic medals.
Kenye also underscored the natural sporting aptitude of Nagas, citing physical strength and vitality inherited from forefathers.
He reminded participants of the NTTA motto, “Believe in Yourself,” and stressed that determination, willpower, and self-confidence were crucial for success in sports.
The inaugural programme was compered by NTTA secretary for information and publicity, Vincent Belho. The invocation prayer was pronounced by Tovi Shohe, associate pastor (youth) SABCK Kohima, while NTTA president Vitho Neikha delivered the presidential address.
A total of 143 players including Male – 114, Women – 29.
Categories – Under 15 Girls, Under 17 Girls, under 13 Boys, Under 15 Boys, Under 17 Boys, Mens Singles, Mens Double, 50+ Mens, 40 + Mens, Mixed Doubles and Team Event for both Mens and Womens.