Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso addresses the inaugural ceremony of the first Inter-Department Table Tennis Tournament in Kohima on September 4. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 4
The two-day first Inter-Department Table Tennis Tournament, organised under the aegis of the NIAPA Khelo India Centre, Chümoukedima, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland, began at the Indoor Stadium here on Thursday.
As many as 21 government departments are participating in team and singles events. Inaugurating the tournament, Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso, MLA of the 9th Kohima Town Assembly Constituency, thanked NIAPA Managing Director and proprietor of the NIAPA Khelo India Centre, Akuonuo Khezhie Yhome, for promoting sporting talent among Naga youth and providing opportunities at national and international platforms.
Referring to the tournament, Rhütso said the table should serve as a “bridge” between departments for better coordination and cooperation rather than a battlefield.
“Let this tournament build friendship. Let this tournament bring all the departments closer so that we work with coordination,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the tournament would promote open-mindedness and help diminish tribalism.
Rhütso congratulated people of eastern Nagaland on the passage of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority Bill, 2026, in the ninth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, describing it as a special development package for the region for 10 years.
Joint Secretary, Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Tiameren Chang said the tournament was not merely a sporting event but also an opportunity for officials from different departments to interact and share professional experiences.
He said the state government had been giving importance to sports activities and lauded NIAPA’s initiative.
“Let us make this tournament a celebration of fitness, friendship, discipline and sportsmanship,” Chang said.
In her keynote address, Yhome said NIAPA, established in 2011, was committed to empowering Naga youth, particularly school dropouts and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, through skill development and entrepreneurship.
She said promoting Naga art, culture and craftsmanship remained part of NIAPA’s mission and noted that the academy had showcased Naga talent at platforms including the Hornbill Festival, New York Fashion Week, ASEAN Fashion Week in Surabaya and the Cannes Film Festival.
Recognising the potential of youth in sports, NIAPA began supporting sporting talent and was recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as a Khelo India Centre for table tennis in 2022.
Yhome said NIAPA had organised the Northeast Open Table Tennis Championship since 2021 to expose players to top professionals. The championship has completed five editions and attracted players from Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.
She said the inter-department tournament was intended to strengthen collaboration between the government and NIAPA while creating opportunities for sportspersons.
“Our aim is not only to find out which department takes home the trophy. Rather, we are all here today to promote this wonderful sport,” she said.
She hoped the inaugural edition would become a lasting tradition and grow “bigger, stronger and better”.
Chief umpire Diganto Mahato administered the oath to participating teams in the presence of honorary referee Kezhaleü Keretsu.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Jakedovo Chase, Additional Director, Directorate of Youth Resources and Sports, while Deo Huprem Tetseo, Youth Director, Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kohima, invoked God’s blessings.
