Senapati: A five-day District-Level Badminton Tournament under SPANDAN (Sports for Peace and Development Across Nations), featuring Under-15 and Under-19 categories for both boys and girls, commenced today at the Multi-Purpose Indoor Hall, Rikhumai Taphou, Senapati Headquarters.
The tournament is being organised by the District Youth Affairs & Sports Office (DYASO), Senapati, Government of Manipur, under the supervision of the District Administration, Senapati, in collaboration with the District Khelo India Centre (Badminton) and the Senapati District Badminton Association (SDBA). The initiative aims to promote peace, unity, sportsmanship and holistic development through sporting activities.
The inaugural programme was graced by S. Plim Reikhenamai, MCS, Sub-Divisional Officer, Willong, as the Chief Guest, while Shri Daniel Shangne, Secretary, SDBA, attended as the Special Guest.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, S. Plim Reikhenamai, lauded the DYASO, Senapati, for organising the tournament and emphasised the significant role of sports in building friendships, strengthening mutual understanding and bridging differences among communities. He highlighted that sports not only promote physical fitness but also serve as a powerful medium for fostering peace, friendship and unity.
Encouraging the young participants, he urged them to take part in the tournament with dedication, enthusiasm and true sportsmanship. He advised the players to compete with commitment and passion while upholding the values of honesty, discipline and respect for their opponents. He also cautioned them to remain careful during the competitions to avoid injuries and wished all participants success in their respective events. Further, he appreciated the organising team and acknowledged the active involvement and efforts of the students, officials and everyone associated with the tournament. He subsequently declared the District-Level Badminton Tournament under SPANDAN open.
In his welcome address, PS John Longkhaye, Youth Officer, DYASO, Senapati, welcomed the dignitaries, participants and other attendees. Highlighting the significance of SPANDAN, he described sports as a transformative instrument for promoting peace, social cohesion and national development. He stated that by bringing young people and communities together through sporting activities, the initiative seeks to foster mutual understanding, strengthen relationships and contribute towards building a peaceful, united and harmonious society.
He also expressed gratitude to the District Administration, District Khelo India Centre, SDBA and all participating players for their cooperation and support in advancing the objectives of SPANDAN.
A total of 40 players are participating in the tournament across the Under-15 and Under-19 boys’ and girls’ categories.
The inaugural programme was attended by N. Bhobindro Singh, District Youth Affairs & Sports Officer, Senapati, and Secretary, District-Level SPANDAN Committee, Senapati; Daniel Shangne, Secretary, SDBA, along with members of the association; Pforkrehrii, Khelo India Badminton Mentor, Senapati; Youth Officers and staff of DYASO; teachers and students, among others.
