The inaugural Mithun–Rhino Pickleball Championship 2026 was held at The Fitness House, Dimapur on March 14. The two-day tournament is organised by the Nagaland Pickleball Association in collaboration with the Assam Pickleball Association.
Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer, attended the inaugural programme as special guest. Addressing the gathering, Longkumer said the championship reflects friendship and cooperation between Nagaland and Assam. He noted that the symbols of Mithun and Rhino represent the strength, pride and identity of the two states.
Highlighting the growing popularity of pickleball, Longkumer said the sport is gaining attention for its energy and accessibility, making it suitable for players across different age groups. He also commended the Nagaland and Assam pickleball associations for promoting the sport in the region and encouraged players to compete with discipline, fairness and sportsmanship.
Senior vice president of the Naga People’s Front, Charlie Sekhose, said sports play an important role in fostering discipline, teamwork and community spirit. He described the championship as a platform that brings together players from Nagaland and Assam and strengthens sporting ties between the two states.
The programme was chaired by Nagaland Pickleball Association vice president Kakivi Chishi. Brief remarks were also delivered by association president Nathan Kaurinta Zeliang and Assam Pickleball Association secretary Nazneen Rahman.
Matches are being held across several categories including men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles, open men’s category, 40+ and veterans 45+.