The 13th Inter-Departmental Tournament was inaugurated in Zunheboto on September 17.
DIMAPUR — The 13th edition of the Zunheboto district Inter-Departmental Tournament was inaugurated at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Zunheboto, on Thursday.
According to a DIPR report, Advisor for Food and Civil Supply, Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection, and Chairman of Urban Local Bodies and Village Council Committee, K Tokugha Sukhalu, attended the event as the special guest.
Organised by the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), Zunheboto, the three-day tournament will be held from September 17 to the 19th. The inaugural programme was held with the aim of promoting sportsmanship, camaraderie and a healthy sporting culture among government employees and departments.
Addressing the gathering, Sukhalu spoke on the importance of sports in nurturing discipline, confidence, teamwork and positive values among the younger generation. He also highlighted the need to encourage young people to channel their energy and talents towards constructive pursuits.
Sukhalu further stated that the people of Zunheboto had placed their trust in him and that such trust carried with it a responsibility to work for the betterment and progress of the district. He called upon all sections of society, particularly government departments and officials, to extend their cooperation and work collectively towards making Zunheboto a better place and taking the district forward.
He also stated that development could be achieved more effectively through collective effort, mutual cooperation and a shared commitment towards the welfare of the people.
The oath was administered by District Sports Officer, Zunheboto, Anguvito Sumi, following which Sukhalu formally declared the tournament open.
The tournament also comes in the wake of performances by players of the Zunheboto District Badminton Association (ZDBA) at the recently concluded 48th Inter-District and State Badminton Championship 2026 held in Mokokchung.
At the championship, ZDBA players secured several positions. Among the champions, Likupu and Linokivi emerged winners in the U-13 Girls’ Doubles, while Liviya and Alo won the U-15 Girls’ Doubles. Liviya also emerged champion in the U-15 Girls’ Singles, while Hivi and Titoka secured the U-17 Boys’ Doubles title.
Mughakivi finished runner-up in the U-15 Boys’ Singles as well as the U-19 Boys’ Singles. Nibovi reached the semi-finals of the U-13 Boys’ Singles, while David Sema and Kihika G. Sumi were semi-finalists in the Veteran Men’s Doubles.
The achievements were highlighted during the programme, with appreciation expressed for the players for bringing laurels to Zunheboto district and the state.