Our Correspondent
Senapati, Sep 27 : The 3rd edition of the Lt Col Robert TA Memorial Badminton Tournament organised by Indian Army under Operation Sadbhavana concluded on Friday with a befitting closing ceremony at Rikhumai Taphou Indoor Badminton Hall in Senapati district.
The tournament began on September 23 in memory of late Lieutenant Colonel Robert TA, the first officer from the Maram community to join the Indian Army. Lt Col Robert was commissioned into the 3 Engineer Regiment in 2004 but made his supreme sacrifice on May 14, 2020 while leading a snow clearance expedition in North Sikkim.
Over the course of five days, 210 men and women from various age groups participated in more than 170 matches, competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories.
The final matches of the men's single and women's doubles categories were played during the closing ceremony which was graced by Chingpai Rangnamei, wife of Lt Col Robert, senior officers from the Indian Army, and other esteemed dignitaries.
Following the matches, the prize winners were felicitated for their performances by the guests.
The tournament received widespread appreciation from the local population, as it provided an opportunity for the youth and residents of Senapati district to showcase their skills and sporting talent.
Tournament highlight
In the Inter School boys' single event, Lungbi of DBHSS, Maram bagged the title as Puni Kho of St Anthony bagged the runners up title. Lungbi and Lungniba of DBHSS, Maram meanwhile defeated Lumsomi / Ebenezer of St Anthony to seal the Inter School boys' doubles title.
Kiipa Paotei of St Anthony School emerged Inter School girls' singles champion defeating compatriot P Khuhriine in the final as the pair of Kiipa Paotei / P Khuhriine of St Anthony won the girls' doubles crown defeating compatriots Hraveine and Wathenela in the final.
Pangao B of Mt Pisgah bagged the Inter College boys' singles title defeating M Shoveilou of Mt Zion as Kaoveilou Vemai / Reipao Raomai pair of Mt Everest clinched the boys doubles title defeating Siivutu Domai / Thaovilou Domai of St Xavier
Suzen Karki of Mt Zion bagged the Inter College girls singles title as she defeated Kharamlo of Mt Pisgah in the final while the Inter College girls doubles title went to Jerina Jangam / Kharamko of Mt Pisgah who got the better of Suzen Karki / Ringnila Delung of Mt Zion in the final.
Charainai Roziina sealed the women’s open singles crown as she defeated Adaziia Khrasi in the final while Charainai Roziina and Adaziia Khrasi won the women's doubles title defeating Paveine Joyce / Lezhonei in the title clash.
In the meantime, Wungmayo Vashum prevailed against Kalo Truman in the men's open title clash. Wungmayo Vashum also won the doubles title with Liidu Paotei defeating Phyavei M and Pahrii Ramai in the final.