The 1st Nagaland Masters Table Tennis Championship, held from September 5 to 6 under the aegis of the Nagaland Masters Table Tennis Association (NMTTA) and Nagaland Table Tennis Association (NTTA), concluded successfully at Kohima. The tournament saw participation from seven districts of the state, with 44 veteran players competing in team and individual categories. Masters, or veteran players, are those aged 40 years and above.
Kohima District emerged as champions in the 40+ Men’s Team category, while Meluri District claimed the 50+ Men’s Team title.
On the first day, Kevithuto Sophie (IPS), speaking as the Special Guest, urged participants to maintain good health and fitness to avoid sedentary lifestyle diseases. Recounting his own experience playing table tennis in the late 1970s, he emphasized, “An ideal mind is a devil’s workshop,” highlighting the importance of staying engaged in healthy activities through sports.
On day two, Guest of Honor Kovi Meyase (NCS) commended the organizers for the smooth conduct of the tournament and stressed that Masters Associations play a key role in promoting table tennis across the state. He noted, “Nagas are naturally gifted and suited to physical sports like table tennis,” and wished the winners success at the upcoming North East Masters Championship scheduled in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh.
The championship underscored the growing enthusiasm for table tennis among veteran athletes in Nagaland and highlighted the importance of sports in promoting fitness and community engagement.
