Kohima marked a sporting milestone on Saturday, on 13th September 20205 with the launching of first-ever Women’s Badminton Tournament at the NLA Stadium. The event was held under the aegis of the Kohima District Badminton Association (KDBA) and powered by the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, the Department of Women Resource Development, Government of Nagaland, and KDBA.
In his address, Kovi Meyase, Secretary, Excise and President, KBDA commended the organizers for their determination in bringing the initiative to fruition. He acknowledged the challenges of hosting a first-of-its-kind event and assured the Association’s continued support in promoting women’s badminton in the district.
Joint Director of Urban Development and State Mission Director of SBM (Urban), Kezhochole Rhetso, recalled how the idea of forming a women’s badminton club first took shape months ago and expressed pride at seeing it realized. Linking the event with the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign, she noted that the Mission, which began as a women-led movement, had evolved into a collective effort. She asserted that this is the right platform, because it is a women’s tournament, and it reflects the same spirit of leadership and inspiration, and added that the players were not only athletes but also ambassadors of Swachh Bharat.
Swachhotsav 2025, observed from September 17 to October 2, focuses on clean and green festivities and zero-waste community celebrations. Its objectives include facilitating large-scale advocacy and citizen participation, clearing difficult garbage spots, prioritising the welfare of sanitation workers, and encouraging eco-friendly festivals. The association of the badminton tournament with this initiative was seen as a way of uniting sports with civic responsibility.
The tournament, attended by officials, dignitaries and sports enthusiasts, was hailed as a landmark initiative, both in promoting women in sports and in advancing SBM-U 2.0’s message of cleanliness and community engagement.
The programme also featured a welcome address by Kesoweu, an invocation by Neimenuo, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Kohima, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ningdang.
(Molungnenla, IA Kohima)
