KHONSA, Dec 11: The first Tirap Changlang Longding (TCL) Badminton Championship, themed ‘Badminton for peace and no to drugs’, concluded at the badminton club here in Tirap district on Tuesday.
Asmai Simai of Changlang and Anyah Gangsa of Tirap won the men’s and women’s singles title, respectively.
Simai defeated Taring Mophuk of Tirap 21-19, 21-23, 21-13 in a hard-fought match, while Anyah beat Nalam Wangpan of Longding in 2-0 sets (21-18, 21-09) in the finals.
The men’s doubles title was won by Dr Khogen and Chenthak Ralongham of Tirap. They defeated the pair of Vincent Tongluk and Tingwang Hosai of Tirap 21-11, 21-12 in the final.
The pair of Dr Jayanti Thingnok and Anyah Gangsa of Tirap won the women’s doubles title, defeating Lunnem Singpho and Nonphin Sena duo of Tirap in 2-0 sets (21-12, 21-10).
In mixed doubles, Taring Mophuk pairing with Dr Jayanti Thingnok defeated Chamthak Ralongham and Nyash Gangsa of Tirap 21-09, 09-21, 21-08 in the final to win the title.
Dr Khogen Socia paring with Chemthak Ralongham of Tirap defeated Vincent Tongluk and Tingwang Hosai of Tirap in the final to win the veteran men’s (35-45 years) doubles title.
Dr Socia also won the veteran men’s (35-45 years) singles title. He defeated Paham Aboh in straight 21-9 and 21-11 sets.
Yumsom Yongam of Changlang and Wangho Jitme of Tirap won the boys’ and girls’ U-17 singles titles, respectively.
While Yumsom defeated Rahul Robin Das of Tirap 21-11, 21-07, Wangho beat Sunita Nath of Tirap 21-10, 21-07.
The pair of Babul Robi Das and Jangjong Nokbi of Tirap won the boys’ U-17 doubles title, defeating Jothan Jokkam and Gankap Wangsa of Tirap 21-09, 09-21, 21-08 in the final.
Sports Authority of Arunachal Chairman Bamang Tago attended the closing function, and expressed hope that the tournament would not only promote badminton but also foster unity and brotherhood among the people of the TCL districts.
Tago informed that present state government is committed to promoting sports and youth development activities throughout the state, and TCL in particular. He appealed to the parents, stakeholders and elected leaders of TCL to encourage youngsters to take up sports professionally and bring laurels to the state and the country.
Earlier, organizing committee chairman Awang Lowang said the tournament concluded on a positive despite many challenges.
He said many youths from the three districts, particularly Changlang and Longding, turned up for the tournament, making the event more meaningful.
Awang also informed that the Changlang District Badminton Association has taken the responsibility to host the second edition of the TCL-Badminton championship in 2019.
Earlier, the inaugural programme was attended by MLA Wanglam Sawin and Tirap Deputy Commissioner PN Thungon.
The tournament was organized to engage the youths in games and sports activities in order to eradicate the drug problem and bring peace in the region.
Both Sawin and Thungon emphasized the need to involve the youths in sports and productive activities.
The Tirap SP, who was also present during the inaugural function, informed that drugs related cases in the region are on the downward trend.
The championship was conducted by the Tirap District Badminton Association under the aegis of the Arunachal State Badminton Association from 8 December. More than 80 players from across the three districts participated in it.