Chümoukedima, November 7 (MExN): The 4th edition of the NIAPA Northeast Open Table Tennis (TT) Championship kicked off on Thursday at the Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA) mini stadium in Chümoukedima, featuring top-seeded paddlers from across the Northeastern states.
The championship sees defending champions Jeho Himnakulhpuingheta and Lalthangsangi Sailo from Mizoram, who will defend their titles in the men’s and women’s categories.
During the opening ceremony, Zhaleo Rio, Advisor to the Urban Development & Municipal Affairs Department, graced the event as the guest of honor. In his address, Rio praised the rich talent emerging from the Northeast, emphasizing that with the right exposure, athletes from the region have the potential to excel. He expressed his pleasure in seeing teams from Assam, Mizoram, and Meghalaya participating and highlighted the tournament as an opportunity for bonding and sportsmanship. Rio also encouraged the players to view sports as a serious profession, reminding them that hard work is essential to achieving success.
Akuonuo K. Yhome, Managing Director and Co-Founder of NIAPA, added that the tournament is a symbol of friendship and unity among the Northeastern states. She further noted that this is the largest cash-prize table tennis tournament in the Northeast, underscoring the significance of the event.
In the team event, six teams—Team Chümou, Team Mon, Team NIAPA, Team Mizoram, Team Assam, and the Young Nagaland Team—are competing for the championship. The Young Nagaland Team, comprising U-18 players Mhasivi Machieo, Nirmal Ale, David Hinglak, Vichaduonuo Rame, and Elita, has drawn attention as one of the standout participants.
By the end of day one, Team Assam and Team Mizoram had advanced to the finals of the team event. Day two will see the continuation of the team event finals and the commencement of individual events.
