The 4th edition of the NIAPA Northeast Open Table Tennis (TT) 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.
During the opening ceremony, Zhaleo Rio, Advisor to the Urban Development & Municipal Affairs Department, graced the occasion as the guest of honor.
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, emphasizing 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 symbolizes friendship and unity among the Northeastern states. She added that this is the largest cash-prize table tennis tournament in the Northeast region.
In the team event, six teams—Team Chümou, Team Mon, Team NIAPA, Team Mizoram, and Team Assam, as well as 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, is among the highlights.
The championship, organized by NIAPA, aims to promote table tennis in the state by bringing together players from across the Northeast. By the end of day one, Team Assam, and Team 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.