The inaugural Asteri Table Tennis Championship 2025, organised under the aegis of the Kohima Table Tennis Association, concluded on a high note at the Indoor TT Stadium, Kohima on Friday. Held over two days (June 13–14), the event brought together players from across Nagaland and neighbouring states, in what organisers hailed as a celebration of unity, competition, and the enduring spirit of the sport.
A total of 10 teams participated in the marquee Team Event, with each team comprising five players across four competitive tiers and a designated captain. In a first-of-its-kind approach, players were assigned to teams through a lottery-based tier system, ensuring a fair and balanced mix of skill levels. The championship followed the UTT (Ultimate Table Tennis) format, commonly used in India’s premier TT league, adding professional flair to the tightly contested matches.
In the Team Event, Circle of Champions emerged victorious, led by captain James Liezietsu and featuring players N. Imomcha Singh (Tier 1, Manipur), Theja (Tier 2), Kenietheja (Tier 3), and Kekuoselie (Tier 4). The runners-up were Ping Pong Legends, captained by Bendang, with Alberto LR Ruata (Tier 1, Mizoram), Achamo (Tier 2), Zelhouneinuo Rame (Tier 3), and Er. Vikheto (Tier 4).
The Open Doubles competition saw 18 pairs battle through a knockout bracket. Lipoktoshi Longkumer and Victor Joy Ezung claimed the championship title, while N. Imomcha Singh and Thejavinuo Rio finished as runners-up.
In the 50+ Doubles category, a spirited contest among five veteran pairs culminated in victory for Dr. Jutsutho Phoji and Victor Joy Ezung, with James Liezietsu and Vincent Belho taking the runner-up spot.
The championship’s curtain closer was attended by Dziesengulie Rio (Development Officer, NKVIB) and Shilurenem Longkumer (Extension Officer, Department of Sericulture), both present in a personal capacity as supporters of the sport. They lauded the organisers and praised the growing momentum of table tennis in the state.
The event was sponsored by PIPI Traders and Asian Traders, whose contributions were instrumental in making the championship a success. Organised by the Asteri Table Tennis Circle — a community-led initiative — the event aims to become an annual celebration of the sport in Nagaland.
“This was not just a tournament, but the beginning of a movement,” said the organisers. “We’ve lit a spark — now let’s come together and build a blazing fire.”
With an atmosphere of enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and unity, the 1st Asteri Table Tennis Championship concluded with optimism and high hopes for the future.