Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Dec 7: Riying Modi of East Siang district, who shone in the recently concluded 4th Kaliko Pul Memorial State level Table Tennis Championship 2025 at Tezu in Lohit district by clinching 3 gold medals, was felicitated by the East Siang Table Tennis Association and East Siang Olympic Association in an impressive ceremony held here last evening.
The felicitation-cum-reception ceremony for teenaged champion Riying Modi, S/o Toi Modi of Napit village in Pasighat, was attended by District Sports Officer A Sitek, District Training Officer Bharat Scouts & Guides T Padung, Gr Captain (rtd) Mohonto Pangging Pao, Dr Kaling Jerang and other veteran table tennis players. While motivating the young champion, all the speakers extended their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Riying so that one day he could represent the State in national level championship and in the international event like Olympics to win medals for the country and the State.
While talking to the media, Riying said that winning the gold in two sections - under-15 and open category – was easy sailing for him. However, he had initially lost two sets in the under-19 category to which he recovered after seeing his cheering-up father (Toi Modi) around and finally, sealed the match 3-2 by winning the remaining three sets consecutively.
Riying, yet to turn 14, a Class-X student from Siang Model School (Pasighat), is an energetic and determined boy who desires to represent Arunachal Pradesh in the national level table tennis tournament and also dreams to don India colours at Olympics to win medals for the country in general and the State in particular eventually in future.
The 4th edition of Kalikho Pul Memorial State level Table Tennis Championship was held at Tezu in Lohit district from 2nd-4th December with a vibrant ceremony, which was organized by the Lohit District Table Tennis Association in collaboration with the Sports Department and the district administration.
The three-day championship witnessed competitions across Under-11, U-13, U-15, U-17, U-19, Men’s, Women’s, 40+ Singles, Doubles, and Team Events, featuring exceptional performances and sportsmanship.
The event reflected the growing interest of youths and veterans towards table tennis in Arunachal Pradesh, with athletes coming from Lohit, East Siang, SSA Miao, Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy, Leparada, Kurung Kumey, Anjaw, Changlang, and several other districts.