DIO-IPRSENAPATI, Nov 7 — A five-day District-Level Badminton Tournament, a key event under the SPANDAN initiative of Khelo India, concluded today at the Multi-Purpose Indoor Hall in Senapati, Manipur. The Sangai Express reported that the event aimed to encourage youth participation and identify hidden potential within the district.
Champions Crowned Across Age Groups
The tournament featured competitive matches in both boys’ and girls’ categories, divided into Under-15 and Under-19 age groups. A total of 40 players participated, showcasing their skills over the five-day event. In the girls’ divisions, Saziinai Ruth claimed the championship title in both the Under-15 and Under-19 categories, with P Khuhriine securing the runner-up position in both age groups, reflecting her consistent performance throughout the tournament.
The boys’ category saw different champions emerge for each age group. Wimathonbou Z Newmai was crowned the champion in the Boys’ Under-15 division, with Shelley Pouzhovei as the runner-up. In the Boys’ Under-19 final, Kalo Truman clinched the championship title, while Lungbi Eugene finished as the runner-up. The closing ceremony included the distribution of cash prizes, trophies, medals, and certificates to all the competitors, recognizing their efforts and achievements on the court.
District Official Calls for Expanded Sports Infrastructure
Senapati Deputy Commissioner Dharun Kumar S, IAS, who also serves as the chairman of SPANDAN, was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. In his address, he congratulated the winners and praised all participants for their strategic discipline, perseverance, and sporting spirit. However, his remarks also highlighted a critical challenge facing athletic development in the region.
“Highlighting that Senapati possesses immense raw athletic potential, he noted that many talented youths from remote villages still lack adequate exposure and modern training facilities,” The Sangai Express reported. The Deputy Commissioner urged the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, alongside community stakeholders, to extend initiatives like Khelo India and school-level sports programs to every village.
SPANDAN Initiative: Promoting Peace Through Sport
The tournament is part of the larger SPANDAN (Sports for Peace and Development Across Nations) initiative, which aims to use sports as a transformative tool for community development. The Northeast Affairs, which covered the tournament’s inauguration, provided further context on the initiative’s goals. It reported that SPANDAN is organized by the District Youth Affairs & Sports Office (DYASO) of Manipur, in collaboration with the District Administration, the District Khelo India Centre, and the Senapati District Badminton Association (SDBA).
The initiative’s broader mission, as described during the opening ceremony, is to “promote peace, unity, sportsmanship and holistic development through sporting activities.” This sentiment was echoed by S. Plim Reikhenamai, the Sub-Divisional Officer of Willong, who was the chief guest at the inauguration. He lauded the tournament’s role in “building friendships, strengthening mutual understanding and bridging differences among communities,” emphasizing that sports serve as a powerful medium for fostering peace and social cohesion.
A Collaborative Effort to Nurture Talent
PS John Longkhaye, Youth Officer at DYASO Senapati, welcomed dignitaries and attendees at the opening, highlighting SPANDAN’s significance. The Northeast Affairs noted that he described sports as a “transformative instrument for promoting peace, social cohesion and national development.”
The event’s structure, with age-based categories, aligns with the Khelo India program’s focus on identifying and grooming young talent. The presence of Pforkrehrii, the Khelo India Badminton Mentor for Senapati, and officials from the DYASO and SDBA showed the collaborative framework supporting these athletes.
Answering Questions About SPANDAN
- What is the SPANDAN initiative?
- SPANDAN, which stands for Sports for Peace and Development Across Nations, is an initiative under Khelo India aimed at promoting peace, unity, and holistic development through sports activities at the grassroots level.
- Who won the badminton tournament in Senapati?
- In the girls’ categories, Saziinai Ruth won both the Under-15 and Under-19 titles, with P Khuhriine as the runner-up in both. For boys, Wimathonbou Z Newmai won the Under-15 title and Kalo Truman won the Under-19 title.
- What challenges were highlighted during the tournament?
- Senapati Deputy Commissioner Dharun Kumar S highlighted that the district has immense raw athletic potential but many talented youths from remote villages lack exposure and modern training facilities.
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