Top paddlers vie for titles at NIAPA table tennis championship

DIMAPUR — The 4th edition of the NIAPA Northeast Open Table Tennis Championship began on Thursday at the Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA) Mini Stadium in Chümoukedima.

Top-seeded paddlers from northeastern states are participating in the championship, with Mizoram duo Jeho Himnakulhpuingheta and Lalthangsangi Sailo, the defending champions of the men’s and women’s categories, aiming to retain their titles, stated a press release.

Zhaleo Rio, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs department, attended the opening ceremony as the guest of honour.

In his speech, he noted that the northeastern states have talent, which, with the right exposure, can excel. He expressed happiness over the participation of teams from Assam, Mizoram, and Meghalaya, highlighting the tournament as a platform for bonding and sportsmanship.

He added that the tournament aims to provide exposure to the young talent and senior players, promoting their growth. He encouraged participants to consider sports as a profession, emphasising that it is no longer merely a hobby, and reminded players that hard work is the key to success.

Akuonuo K Yhome, managing director and co-founder of NIAPA, said the tournament symbolises friendship and unity among the Northeastern states. She added that this is the largest cash-prize table tennis tournament in the northeast.

In the team event, six teams—Chümoukedima, Mon, NIAPA, Mizoram, and Assam, as well as the Young Nagaland—are competing for the championship.

The Young Nagaland comprises U-18 players Mhasivi Machieo, Nirmal Ale, David Hinglak, Vichaduonuo Rame, and Elita.

The championship, organised by NIAPA, aims to promote table tennis in the state by bringing together players from across the Northeast.

By the end of day one, Assam and Mizoram had advanced to the finals of the team event. Day two will feature the final round for team events and the start of the individual events.