38th District Open Badminton Championship begins
The Mokokchung District Badminton Association (MDBA) on Tuesday reaffirmed its ambitious Vision 2040 of producing an Olympian from the district as it inaugurated the 38th Mokokchung District Open Badminton Championship 2026.
The championship, organized by the MDBA, was inaugurated by District Programme Officer, Department of Social Welfare, Mokokchung, Imliyanger, who lauded the association for its sustained efforts in promoting badminton in the district. He said the association has demonstrated that Mokokchung possesses talented badminton players and noted that it has successfully produced five players who are now competing outside Nagaland.
Speaking to MT, MDBA president Imomar said the association’s long-term roadmap centres on identifying and nurturing young talent through continuous exposure and structured training programs.
“We have a Vision 2040 that by 2040 we will be producing an Olympian from our association,” he said.
To realize that goal, Imomar said the association organizes annual coaching camps during both the summer and winter breaks, besides conducting district-level and inter-district tournaments to provide competitive exposure to players at different stages of development.
Describing MDBA as one of the most active district badminton associations in Nagaland, he said the association has largely relied on its own resources to sustain its activities.
“We are not depending on other sources. However, if any organization or the government comes forward to support us, we will be ready to accept that help for the betterment of our players,” he said.
Imomar acknowledged that organizing coaching camps and tournaments throughout the year requires substantial financial resources and remains one of the association’s biggest challenges.
Despite these constraints, he credited parents for playing a significant role in the association’s progress. “Because of the parents only, we have come this far,” he said, expressing gratitude for their continued encouragement and commitment towards the development of young players.
The championship this time has about 60-70 participants, according to the president.
