The Hornbill Festival 2026 will feature a table tennis championship for the first time with the launch of NIAPA Hornbill Smash 2026, scheduled to be held from December 3 to 5 at the NIAPA Table Tennis Indoor Stadium, 4th Mile, Agri Expo Site, Chümoukedima.
The three-day championship will be organised by the Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA) Khelo India Centre under the aegis of the Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the Departments of Youth Resources & Sports and Tourism.
The tournament will feature 10 categories: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Under-17 Boys’ Singles, Under-17 Girls’ Singles, Under-15 Boys’ Singles, Under-15 Girls’ Singles and Doubles 75+ (combined age). Players from different states and regions are expected to take part, with the championship providing an opportunity for sporting competition and cultural exchange during the festival.
The organisers have also invited table tennis enthusiasts, tourists and visitors to attend the championship. Table Tennis Associations across the country have been invited to encourage their players to participate.
NIAPA, a registered society established on July 31, 2003, was recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2022, with its Table Tennis Centre designated as a Khelo India Centre under Chümoukedima district.
The academy has organised five editions of the annual NIAPA Northeast Open Table Tennis Championship since 2021, providing competitive exposure to players and promoting the sport in the Northeast.
Interested participants may contact the organisers at 9856446674 or 9233722116, or email neperformingarts11 @gmail.com for registration and details. Participants residing in Nagaland have been asked to complete registration by November 26.
