Players of the 38th Mokokchung District Open Badminton Championship 2026 with organisers and dignitaries during the opening ceremony at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Mokokchung, on July 21. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | July 21
The 38th Mokokchung District Open Badminton Championship 2026 commenced on Tuesday at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Mokokchung, with District Programme Officer, Department of Social Welfare, Imliyanger, as the special guest.
Organised by the Mokokchung District Badminton Association (MDBA), the three-day championship will conclude on July 23. A total of 65 players—49 boys and 16 girls—are competing across 17 age categories.
Addressing the participants, Imliyanger congratulated the MDBA for consistently organising the championship and for creating a platform for young badminton players in the district. He said that sporting events were not only about winning competitions but also about building character, discipline and resilience.
“Play with resilience, play with integrity, and play responsibly. Let your racket and shuttlecock talk,” he said, wishing the participants success in the tournament.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, MDBA president Imomar said the association has set a long-term goal of producing an Olympian by 2040. He said the MDBA conducts annual tournaments and coaching camps at various levels, particularly to promote young talents.
Imomar acknowledged the support of parents and said the association has also received occasional financial assistance from the district administration. He added that organising coaching camps and district tournaments involves financial challenges, and support from the government and other organisations would further strengthen efforts to develop badminton players in the district.
