PriyankaZIRO, 16 Sep: The 2nd Ziro Badminton Championships concluded with Tayo Rini and Mom Nitin emerging victorious in the women’s and men’s open singles categories. Held at the Hapoli Indoor Badminton Club in Lower Subansiri district, the finals witnessed intense matches as Rini defeated Khoda Punya and Nitin triumphed over Duyu Tubing.
In the open men’s doubles category, the partnership of Mom Nitin and Duyu Tubing proved formidable as they bested Kalung Takhii and Peter Tato. The women’s doubles title was claimed by Tayo Rini and Michi Yamung, who overcame the duo of Khoda Punya and Dani Dilhyang.
The mixed doubles event saw Mom Nitin team up with Khoda Punya to secure victory against Duyu Tubing and Tayo Rini.
The veteran categories also showcased impressive performances. Michi Buker clinched the veteran men’s singles title by defeating Tamo Tagia, while Bamin Laji secured the super-veteran men’s singles title after a match against Tage Tari. The veteran men’s doubles title went to Mihin Tapin and Nani Nobin, who outplayed Michi Buker and Tailang Tatung. In the super-veteran men’s doubles, Gyati Kacho and Bamin Laji emerged victorious over Mihin Tapin and Tage Tari.
The tournament also highlighted young talent in the under-13 and under-17 categories. Pura Sancha won the boys’ under-13 singles title, defeating Tage Ganya, while Radhe Neya claimed the girls’ under-13 singles title by besting Racho Byantung. In the boys’ under-13 doubles, Radhe Donya and Tage Ganya triumphed over Yachang Mwdo and Bamin Lapang. Hibu Koku and Racho Byantung secured the girls’ under-13 doubles title against Michi Chimi and Mudang Enjaah.
In the under-17 categories, Khoda Markus won the boys’ singles title by defeating Arup Saikia, and Tage Annee took home the girls’ singles title after a match against Radhe Neya. The girls’ doubles title was won by Kime Sunya and Tage Annee, who overcame Dhumin Muri and Padu Oniya, while Nani Qeerun and Nako Opo clinched the boys’ doubles title against Arup Saikia and Kunal Goyary.
Special awards were given to the youngest players of the tournament: 9 years and 7 months old Radhe Neya in the girls’ category and 7 years and 8 months old Tamo Byoda in the boys’ category. Radhe Senyi and Kime Sancha were recognized as the emerging players of the tournament in their respective categories.
Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) President Ratu Techi, who attended the final matches and distributed prizes, emphasized that badminton has evolved into a professional and lucrative sport. He highlighted Ziro’s potential to become a badminton hub due to its infrastructure, connectivity, accommodations, and favorable climate. Techi expressed his dream of seeing Ziro’s players excel at state, national, and Olympic levels.
Techi also assured support for the Ziro Badminton Association (ZBA), including financial aid, logistical assistance for future tournaments, affiliation with higher badminton associations, and recognition of the Ziro Badminton Championship as a district-level event.
Ziro-Hapoli MLA Hage Appa praised badminton as an excellent sport for maintaining physical fitness and highlighted its role in identifying young talent from an early age for professional training.
Tanw Supung Dukung President HK Shalla expressed confidence that with discipline, dedication, and hard work, tribal players can achieve Olympic success similar to athletes from China, Korea, and Japan.
Gyati Kacho, winner of the super-veteran men’s doubles category and one of the oldest participants, emphasized badminton’s benefits for physical fitness. He urged young people to take advantage of Ziro’s quality indoor courts to stay active and avoid negative influences like drugs and alcohol.
ZBA President Kago Gambo, Secretary Dani Kiibyo, and Organizing Chairman Takhe Pugang extended their gratitude to sponsors, participants, and parents for their support in making the tournament a success.
Chief referee Koj Tajang reported that a total of 114 matches were played over the three-day tournament. (DIPRO)
