ITANAGAR, Aug 8: The 13th edition of Dorjee Khandu Memorial State Badminton Championship (DKMSBC), inaugurated by Chief Minister Pema Khandu here today, will witness 402 shuttlers, including 95 girls from several districts of Arunachal Pradesh, vie for top honours.
As many as 543 matches will be played under 28 events during the five-day championship, which is being organized as a platform to identify and promote emerging talent while commemorating the contribution of former Chief Minister Late Dorjee Khandu to the growth of badminton in the State.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Khandu said Arunachal secured second position among Northeastern States in the National Games in the latest edition and expressed confidence that the State would further improve its position when Meghalaya hosts the next edition of the National Games, according to a statement from the CMO.
Highlighting the State Government’s flagship Chief Minister’s Sports Scholarship Scheme (CMSSS), Khandu said that the program, launched only last year, is currently supporting athletes across nine sports disciplines and around 30 athletes.
In its first year, athletes supported under the scheme have collectively secured around 75 medals, including participation in 13 international competitions, he informed.
Khandu highlighted the growing pool of badminton talent from Arunachal Pradesh, naming players who have been making their presence felt at national and regional levels.
He specifically mentioned Taku Manku and Samuel Tamang, who have featured among India’s top players in the Under-19 category, besides Divya Tagu, Kiyom Tamin and La Takum.
In the women’s category, he highlighted Pinky Karki, Taring Yana, La Yajum and others, noting that Taring Yana has been a five-time North East champion in the women’s doubles category.
Calling grassroots development the key to building a sustainable sporting ecosystem, Khandu urged senior coaches and district-level badminton associations to focus on identifying and nurturing young talent from the grassroots.
“Talent is not lacking in Arunachal Pradesh. What we need is to identify that talent early, provide the right training and give our young players sustained opportunities,” he said.
Encouraging the participating players, Khandu said winning and losing were part of sport, but representing the State itself was a matter of pride. He urged the young players to give their best during the championship and, irrespective of the result, return stronger and more determined in the following edition.