Kohima set to hold inter-department badminton tournament

KOHIMA — The 3rd inter-department badminton tournament of Kohima district, organised by the Inter-Department Badminton Club (IDBC), is scheduled on October 13 and 14 at the multi-purpose hall of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima.

The deputy commissioner of Kohima, Shanavas, who is also the convenor of the tournament, made this announcement during a press conference in his office on Wednesday.

He informed that the tournament would feature team categories including men’s doubles with five teams from each department. Besides, there would also be women’s doubles, mixed doubles and a competition for participants aged 50 and above including legislators, former legislators and retirees. The winners in each category would receive a cash award of INR 15,000, while the runners-up would be awarded INR 10,000.

Shanavas informed that each participating team would pay an entry fee of INR 2000 and added that the last date for form submission has been set on October 9. He stated that entry forms could be obtained from three locations namely at Okusa Toyota showroom, opposite Hotel Blue Lagoon; Sport Inventory, opposite the state indoor stadium; and Room No.518 at the Directorate of School Education.

Last year, more than 40 departments comprising 100 teams competed in different categories. Shanavas expressed hope that this year’s edition would see the participation of as many as 50 departments with more teams.

Regarding sports in Nagaland, Shanavas observed that badminton facilities are more readily available compared to other disciplines, although improvements are needed. He mentioned that the Nagaland Badminton Association (NBA) has planned to upgrade the existing state indoor stadium in the capital city to accommodate more badminton courts.

Shanavas has noted the growing popularity of badminton events in rural areas and mentioned that every district typically holds inter-departmental competitions in this discipline. He further disclosed that there are plans for a state-level department tournament in the near future to be organised by the NBA, in collaboration with various government entities.

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