Y Kikheto Sema along with other officials and participants during the inauguration of the first edition of the Kohima Sumi Badminton Tournament in Kohima on July 18.
Inaugural Kohima Sumi Badminton Tournament underway
Kohima, July 18 (MExN): Nagaland Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema on July 18 underscored the importance of discipline, humility and sportsmanship while inaugurating the first edition of the Kohima Sumi Badminton Tournament, saying sports provide a platform where age becomes secondary and every participant deserves equal respect.
Gracing the event as patron at the Indoor Badminton Stadium in Kohima, Sema expressed happiness over the successful organisation of the tournament and said it was encouraging to see senior citizens participating alongside younger players, reflecting the inclusive spirit of sports.
He said, just as singers devote countless hours to perfecting their craft, sportspersons also invest immense time and effort in training to excel in their respective disciplines. He urged participants to respect athletes and called upon players to remain humble and uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Sharing a brief history of badminton, Sema described it as a friendly, disciplined and less controversial sport that can be played indoors and outdoors with simple rules. Besides promoting physical fitness, he said, the game also instils discipline, adding that the participants represented some of the fittest and most disciplined members of the Sumi community residing in Kohima.
Highlighting the sporting strengths of the region, he said people from the Northeast, particularly Nagas, have consistently excelled in disciplines such as badminton, table tennis, archery, sepak takraw, boxing and other sports. He called for greater efforts to promote and nurture these disciplines in view of the region's natural aptitude.
Referring to the contribution of the Sumi community to Kohima, Sema said the Sumis, particularly the Aphuyemi Sumis from Pughoboto, were among the earliest settlers from other tribes in the state capital. He acknowledged their role in the development of Kohima, including contributions to the construction of landmarks such as the Deputy Commissioner's Office and the Kohima Local Ground.
He urged members of the Sumi community residing in Kohima to serve as ambassadors of their community by maintaining a strong sense of belonging, promoting peaceful coexistence with the Angami community and fostering mutual respect and harmony.
Expressing hope that the tournament would grow into a larger and more prestigious sporting event in the coming years, Sema wished the participants success.
Organised by the Kohima Sumi Badminton Enthusiasts, the inaugural tournament has attracted 26 participants. The oldest participant is 78 years old, while the youngest is 26, underscoring the event's inter-generational appeal and inclusive character.
