Chumoukedima, 27 November (MTNews): Mizoram’s team dominated the open categories for singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, securing all the top positions at the 3rd Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA) Northeast Open TT championship, marking an impressive end to the tournament on Monday evening at the NIAPA mini stadium in Chumoukedima.
Jeho Himnakulhpuingheta, Mizoram’s top seed, secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Assam player Agniv Bhaskar Gohain in the final match for the men’s category. Mizoram’s top-2 and northeast gold medalist Alberto Lalremruata lost to Assam player Agniv Bhaskar Gohain in the semis but the Assamese faced a significant defeat against Mizo champ Jeho in the final match. Jeho was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 17,000 along with a citation & trophy, while the runner-up, Agniv, received Rs. 12,000.
In the men’s doubles, Mizoram’s top seeds, Jeho & Alberto, emerged as champions by defeating Mizo champ Suranjit & Naga champ Ricky in the final match with a 3-1 victory. While the Nagaland duo Imomcha & Seyievilie lost their semifinal match against Ricky & Suranjit. Jeho and Alberto received Rs. 20,000 as champions, while runners-up Suranjit & Ricky received Rs. 15,000.
In the women’s category, Mizo champ Lalthangsangi Sailo secured victory over 12-time Meghalaya champ and two-time gold medalist Tanushree Das Gupta in a 4-2 final match. Sailo clinched the championship after maintaining momentum when the match was tied 2-2, eventually dominating and winning 4-0. The Assam players Akhankhya and Kritika were defeated in the semifinals for women’s singles. Champion Sailo received a cash prize of Rs. 14,000, while runner-up Gupta received Rs. 10,000.
In the women’s doubles, Lalthangsangi & Lalmuanawn defeated Tanushree & Akuonuo 3-2 in a thrilling match. Nagaland’s team Thejavinuo & Avitoli lost their semifinal match against Lalthangsangi & Lalmuanawn with a score of 3-0. Winners Lalthangsangi & Lalmuanawn were awarded Rs. 18,000, while runners-up Tanushree & Akuonuo received Rs. 13,000.
In the mixed doubles, top seeds from Mizoram, Lalthangsangi & Jeho, emerged as champions by defeating the Meghalaya champs Suranjit & Tanushree in the final match. The NIAPA star award was given to Tanushree Das Gupta for her overall performance in the tournament. Champions Sailo & Jeho received Rs. 20,000, while runners-up Suranjit & Tanushree received Rs. 15,000. Team Assam, with 55 points, clinched the team’s event title, while Mizoram secured the second position with 50 points. The champions, Assam team, received a cash prize of Rs. 90,000 along with citations and a trophy, while Mizoram received Rs. 50,000 for their team performance.
Kevithuto Sophie, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Dimapur graced the occasion during the prize distribution ceremony and later gave away the prize awards to the winning teams.