The 1st Inter-Department Table Tennis Tournament, organised by the NIAPA Khelo India Centre in collaboration with Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland, was inaugurated on September 4, 2026, at the Indoor Stadium, Officers’ Hill, Kohima, with Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, MLA, as the Guest of Honour.
Declaring the tournament open, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso congratulated NIAPA, led by Akuonuo Khezhie Yhome, for its sustained efforts in promoting and showcasing Naga talent in various fields over the years. He congratulated the eastern naga brothers and sisters for the FNTA that was passed in the NLA.
Drawing an analogy from the sport, he said the table between players and departments should serve as a reminder that it can also be a bridge for better coordination and understanding among government departments.
He observed that table tennis demands quick decisions, with players required to decide whether to serve, return, attack or defend within fractions of a second, and said the same qualities of timely decision-making and adaptability are important in life and public service. He expressed hope that the tournament would foster friendship, closer coordination and a greater commitment towards providing better services to the public.
Dr. Rhütso also recalled that 25 table tennis tables had been distributed to various colonies in his constituency, expressing hope that some of the beneficiaries were participating in the tournament. He encouraged the people of Nagaland to become more open-minded and move beyond divisions and “isms”.
Welcoming the participants, Akuonuo Khezhie Yhome, Managing Director, NIAPA and Proprietor, NIAPA Khelo India Centre, said the tournament was aimed at promoting table tennis, providing competitive exposure to players and creating greater opportunities for sportspersons in Nagaland. She highlighted NIAPA’s efforts in youth empowerment and its initiatives to develop table tennis, including the NIAPA Northeast Open Table Tennis Championship, which has completed five editions since 2021.
Akuonuo said the initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between the State Government and NIAPA while contributing towards a stronger sporting ecosystem in Nagaland. She said the tournament was not merely about winning a trophy, but about promoting the sport, encouraging interaction and providing players with opportunities to learn from experienced public servants.
A total of 21 government departments is participating, with 11 departments engaging 11 leading table tennis players from Nagaland.
Tiameren Chang, NCS, Joint Secretary, Department of Youth Resources and Sports, said the event provides an opportunity for employees from different departments to come together, interact and share professional experiences. He said the Government of Nagaland envisions building a strong sports ecosystem in the State, and described the tournament as a celebration of fitness, sportsmanship and discipline.
The tournament is being supported by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, and brings together government departments and leading table tennis players with the broader objective of strengthening the sporting culture and development of table tennis in the State.
Earlier Additional Director YR&S, Jakedovo Chase chaired the programme, Oath- taking was administered by Chief Umpire Diganto Mahato. Sporting legend of the state in TT, Kezhaleü Keretsü was honoured during the programme.
(DPRO Kohima)
