The 1st Summer Badminton Coaching Camp, organised by Abeio Kire & Angam Shaiza in collaboration with Padukone Sports Management Pvt Ltd, Bangalore, was declared open by Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on 11th of July 2023 at Vidhya Bhawan Higher Secondary School, Kuda Village, Dimapur. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Founder and Director of Padukone Sports Management, Bengaluru, Prakash Padukone was the Guest of Honour.

During the program, Neiphiu Rio said that sports bring people together from every corner, whether young or old. He appreciated Prakash Padukone for taking interest in the Northeastern states, especially Nagaland. He said in Nagaland, selected disciples have been given internship, where Badminton is one and called on the gathering to challenge themselves by hosting Northeast games and National games. Rio said that the state is preparing all kinds of infrastructure in sports and said that he will sponsor 10 players in the coaching campaign.

Padukone in his short speech, expressed his happiness for the warm reception and hospitality that he got from the people of Nagaland and also acknowledged the impressive turnout at the coaching camp, which according to him proved the popularity of the sport in the region. He observed that many individuals played badminton not only professionally, but also for fitness purposes. The badminton legend said he had a long-felt desire to contribute to the Northeast, adding that coaching initiative was just the beginning.

Padukone also observed that there is a lot of badminton talent in the All Northeast region, and he will help sponsor coaching for promoting the best badminton talents and guide them to excellence. He also assured to personally sponsor the national and international for 10 players.

(Limatoshi, IA Dimapur)