The First Amateur Badminton Tournament was inaugurated at Liroyim Community Hall, Yaongyimsen, on December 15, 2025. The tournament is organised by Bendangtemsü Zünga Yaongyimsen (1986–1988).
Lanuzulu Aier, Section Officer, Nagaland University, Lumami, attended the inaugural programme as the special guest.
A total of 23 teams, with participants aged between 22 and 47 years, are participating in the tournament. Players are from Mokokchung, Tuli, Longleng, Dimapur, Changtongya, Akhoya, Chuchuyimlang and Yaongyimsen village.
Speaking to MT, Limasangwa, Vice President of Bendangtemsü Zünga Yaongyimsen, said the main objective of the tournament is to promote sports among villagers. He said Yaongyimsen earlier produced football and volleyball players who represented at higher levels, but added that participation in sports has declined in recent years.
“That is when the Zünga decided to come together to do something for the youth and start this tournament,” he said. He added that the members collected money among themselves and did not seek donations or undertake fundraising.
Limasangwa further said that the organisers plan to register the tournament with the Mokokchung District Badminton Association and ensure that it becomes a running trophy.
Addressing the gathering, Aier lauded the initiative and said tournaments like these help bring players from different places, towns and districts together. He also said sports contributes to physical fitness and discipline.
Referring to unemployment among youths, Aier said sports can provide alternative opportunities, citing Manipur as an example. He added that with sports being recognised as an industry, special emphasis on sports development is necessary.
A representative of the Liroyim Village Council thanked the participants for travelling to Yaongyimsen to take part in the tournament, while also stressing the importance of discipline.
The program featured a special song by Punasosang from Dimapur. The event was chaired by Bendangtila, APCEM, Nukshiyim BA, and T Yanger, Pastor of Liroyim BA, pronounced the invocation.
