Natung inaugurates Dorjee Khandu Memorial Badminton C'ship

A Correspondent

ROING: Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs Mama Natung inaugurated the 8th Dorjee Khandu Memorial State Badminton Championship, organized by the Lower Dibang Valley Badminton Association (LDVBA) under the aegis of Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) at Ita-Pulu Indoor stadium here on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, Natung said the state government is committed towards the overall development of sports & games in the state. Therefore, he appealed to the various sports associations to make further efforts in nurturing sports persons who can represent the state in various national and international games in future.

Appreciating the theme of the tournament, which states 'No to drugs and yes to Badminton', Natung also stressed on to create more awareness on his vision of 'Drugs Chodo, Khel Jodo' campaign.

"Youths are the backbone of the future of Arunachal Pradesh. Added, our youths have the potential to excel in every sport. Therefore, our effort is to nurture their talent and provide a better platform to represent the state and excel," he said, appealing to the youths to refrain from drug consumption.

On the sidelines, Natung, who is also the minister for Environment & Forest appealed the gathering to take forward the 'Arunachal Airgun and Gun Surrender Abhiyaan' to the remotest village for the conservation of flora and Fauna.

Meanwhile, Roing MLA Mutchu Mithi said that the tournament is also a medium of building relationships, sharing of ideas and culture. He said the entire participants from different districts during the four days stay in the district should connect and make the best use of their respective skills.

He encouraged the participants to carry forward the passion of playing badminton and other sports. Besides, every individual sports enthusiast should also make sure that the game they play provides you a better living, economic sustainability and encourages others, he added.

Earlier, Natung also kicked off the 14th Naba Ita Pulu Memorial Football Tournament being held at Kera-aa jubilee ground here.

Remembering late Naba Ita Pulu on the day, Natung appreciated the organizing committee for taking forward the legacy of a man who had a pivotal contribution towards the Idu-Mishmi society of Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley district.

He said the aim of the football tournament should be to create a stage of teamwork, inclusiveness, endurance and integrity.

Later, Natung inaugurated the multipurpose sports artificial turf pitch operated by Roing Football Academy (RFA) for both boys and girls at Shemford School, Yibuk near here.

Among others, MLA Gum Tayeng, MLA Mopi Mihu, former Chief Minister Mukut Mithi, Secretary Sports & Youth Affairs Anirudh Singh, Secretary Badminton Association of India (BAI) Ajay Kumar Singhania, Secretary ASBA Bamang Tago, Deputy Commissioner K.N Damo was present on the day.

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