The two day 2nd edition of Chumoukedima Inter School Badminton Tournament, organised by the Chumoukedima District Badminton Association and sponsor by UCO Bank culminated on 5th July 2025 at Tetso Arena, Tetso College, Chumoukedima.
The Tournament featured young talents competing in boy's and girl's singles and doubles event across the following age categories: Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 from both Private and Government School. Around 350 Participants/Students from 23 (twenty three) Schools competed in the tournament. The event aims to promote sportsmanship, encourage young talent, and foster healthy competition among students.
Speaking at the closing ceremony as the Special Guest, Member NSSB, Er. Hotovi, Rtd. Chief Engineer stated that he is honoured to be a part of the event. He mentioned that, when he look at the younger players now, it reminds him of his student days when he represented Nagaland in the National level in Table Tennis and participated in many sports activities. He recalled that during his time there was no such opportunity like they have now, back then they didn't had proper coach or courts or training grounds. He asserted that if such facilities were available back then, he might have spent his life as a sportsman. Those dreams are far gone now but now with given opportunities and talents, the young players can achieve their dream and make into reality one day. Badminton is not only a sport but a game played where disciplined, hard work, perseverance and importance of setting goals when on the court playing with their opponents. He reminded the players to remember that they are not playing against their opponents but challenging themselves to be better than yesterday, which is the essence of growth.
In conclusion, he urged the young players to work hard, dream big and continue to achieve their goals, and to keep in mind that this achievement is just the beginning of the many successes they would be achieving in the future.
UCO Bank Executive, Amit Kumar who graced the event as the Guest of Honour stated that, UCO Bank is delighted to sponsor the badminton tournament as one of the major public sector Bank in India serving the nation with dedication across the countries. UCO Bank focuses on younger generation as a part of the ongoing with digital transformation with the aim on digital banking, with simple and users friendly save and secure. He informed that, their Bank is working to provide excellence service with the goal of zero tolerance policy. UCO Bank not only deals in banking services but believes in supporting communities and youth, especially sports. He said that the Bank is happy to support this event which brings together many talented youths with renew energy and spirit. He exhorted the students by saying that winning is great but the effort they put in, is what matters. He thanked the organisers and volunteers for putting together such great event and hoped that it will continue to promote sports positivity.
The winners and runners up of each age group category were awarded a certificate, trophy and a cash prize. Rincho Academy emerged as the overall Champion. Program highlights include: welcome address by Kvulo Lorin, V.P CDBA, Chairman NIDC, Chairman Tetso College; Vote of thanks by Er. Khuvoyi Vese, G.S CDBA and a benediction by Rev. Dr. Toniho Kiho, Pastor, Chekiye Village Baptist Church.
(Tovikali, IA Chumoukedima)
