ITANAGAR, Aug 10: The 5th edition of Dorjee Khandu Memorial State Open Badminton Championship-2017 got off to a flyer on Thursday at the Raj Bhawan and MLA Cottage badminton stadiums here.

Panchayati Raj and Rural Development minister, Alo Libang who formally declared the tournament open, in his address as chief guest, congratulated all the participants to have made it to the state level competition and wished them success.

Badminton Association of India (BAI), president cum Assam minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma who was expected to inaugurate the tournament could not make it to the capital due to inclement weather.

Calling upon the budding and professional shuttlers participating in the tournament to maintain the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the tourney as well as while participating in other competitions, Libang said, “Winning and losing is a part of the game so try to win hearts as it is more important than winning trophies.”

The minister was also of the opinion that sportspersons from Arunachal had all the talent required to compete in national and international sporting events and all that they required was proper guidance.

Recalling the contributions of former chief minister late Dorjee Khandu, in whose memory the tournament is being organized, Libang said “It is due to the contributions of the late leader that Arunachal in today’s date has some big names in the sporting world, badminton in particular.”

Earlier, parliamentary secretary for sports and youth affairs, Nyamar Karbak, in his welcome address, thanked the BAI extending its support in the promotion of badminton in the state.

“Along with various other games and sports, badminton too is on the rise and loved a lot in the North Eastern states, especially in Arunachal Pradesh,” he said.

Giving a brief report on the tournament and achievements of Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) till date, association president, Techi Rotu asserted that the state level tournament has always aimed at providing a platform for the young shuttlers from across the state to showcase their potential.

The youngest participant in this year’s event is 5-year-old, Arimitho Dususow from West Kameng.

Legislators Tesam Pongte, Liasam Simai, Jambey Tashi, Sports Authority of Arunachal, chairman, Bamang Tago, tournament organization chairman, Tame Phassang, director of sports Tadar Appa, secretary for sports and youth affairs, Dani Sulu and a host of other government officers and officials were also present on the occasion.

More than 260 players from 18 districts of Arunachal Pradesh are participating in the coveted championship which would see its finals being played on August 13 next.

The DK Memorial State Open Badminton Championship is organized by Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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