Dimapur, 25 November (MTNews): Top paddlers from Northeast are competing in the NIAPA NE Open TT championship here at Chumoukedima. The lineup includes national games bronze medalist Shankab Gautam Baruah and Agniv Bhaskar Gohain from Assam, two-time NE Olympic gold medalist and Meghalaya champ Tanushree Dasgupta, Northeast games TT gold medalist Alberto Ruata, and his partner, Mizoram prodigy Jeho Puingheta, the champion of Khelo India Youth Games 2021 for TT boys’ category, among others.
Northeast games TT gold medalist Alberto Ruata highlighted the championship as a platform for players to practice and stay fit for upcoming tournaments. He emphasized the reasonable monetary rewards offered, encouraging players to participate in Nagaland.
Akuonuo Khezhie Yhome, managing director of Northeast India Academy of Performing Arts (NIAPA), expressed the organization’s aim to promote table tennis in the state and elevate it to greater heights, in addition to fostering arts. She emphasized the importance of unity among northeastern states, stating that progress in one state cannot thrive while others lag behind. She underscored the championship’s role in uniting players, promoting friendship, and enhancing competition, noting that exposure to quality players from different northeastern states will undoubtedly elevate the standards of local players.
Assam wins NIAPA NE open TT championship team event
Assam emerged as the group champions of the team event for the ongoing 3rd NIAPA Northeast Open TT tournament on the second day of the championship held at NIAPA mini stadium, Chumoukedima. The Assam team, led by national games bronze medalist Shankab Gautam Baruah and Agniv Bhaskar Gohain, secured victory in the team event, playing in the league format against four teams across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories.
They amassed 55 points, clinching the title, while Mizoram secured the second position with 50 points. NIAPA team stood third with 45 points, followed by Naga Warriors (22 points) in fourth and Nagaland Senior team with 9 points at the bottom of the table.
The champions, Assam team, will receive a cash prize of Rs 90,000 along with citations, while Mizoram will receive Rs 50,000 for their team’s performance.
The tournament now moves to the individual events on the third day, featuring singles and doubles competitions for both men and women, with top seeders from Northeast India competing in the 3rd NIAPA Open TT championship at Chumoukedima. The tournament will conclude on Monday.