The Mokokchung District Badminton Association (MDBA) made a remarkable mark at the Li-Ning 47th Nagaland Inter-District and State Open Badminton Championship 2025, held at K. Kire IPS Indoor Badminton Stadium, NAPTC Chümoukedima, by winning six medals, including three golds. The highlight of the tournament was Mokokchung’s historic gold in the Men’s Singles category, its first in 27 years.
Yohenba emerged as the standout performer, securing double gold in the Men’s Singles and Junior Boys’ Singles (U-19) events. In the Men’s final, he defeated Rikhu Khape of Dimapur, while in the Junior Boys’ final, he overcame Niuland’s Heloka Swu.
In Junior Girls’ Doubles (U-19), the duo of Yalemjungla (Mokokchung) and Kibangwala Longkumer (Dimapur) clinched gold, defeating Nancy and Moimei B. Phom of Longleng in straight sets.
Mokokchung also won silver in the Junior Boys’ Team event with the squad comprising Yohenba, Sentiyatet, Tiakaba, Wacha, Wapongsen, and Sungjemmoa. Another silver came in the Junior Mixed Doubles (U-19), where Temennaro (Mokokchung) and Yatsak Konyak (Mon) finished runners-up to Meren Sair and Kim Kim Khongsai (Dimapur). In Women’s Singles, Watisungla from Mokokchung took silver after falling to A. Ponlih Konyak (Mon) in the final.
In team rankings, Mokokchung secured second position in the Junior Boys category behind Niuland, while Dimapur topped the Men’s category followed by Chümoukedima.
The championship, which began on July 29, featured 140 matches and witnessed participation from districts across Nagaland, reflecting the growing competitiveness and talent pool in state-level badminton.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Training), Imnalensa, while addressing the gathering as the Special Guest at the closing function, lauded the badminton officials for their perseverance and passion, noting that their efforts reflected true dedication to the sport.
Imnalensa also complimented the young athletes from different districts, saying their energy and spirit brought life to the championship. He further expressed hope that many of them would go on to represent the state and serve as future inspirations for the sport. He also acknowledged the important role played by the coaches, calling them the architects behind the players’ dreams.
