Kohima, September 13, 2025: In a landmark moment for women’s sports in Nagaland, Kohima hosted its first-ever Women’s Badminton Tournament at the NLA Stadium on Saturday. The event, a significant stride toward empowering women athletes, was organized by the Kohima District Badminton Association (KDBA) and supported by the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, the Department of Women Resource Development, and KDBA.
Empowering Women Through Sport
Delivering the keynote address, Kovi Meyase, Secretary of Excise and President of KDBA, commended the organizers for their initiative and determination in making the event a reality. He acknowledged the challenges of launching a first-of-its-kind women’s badminton tournament in the district and reaffirmed KDBA’s continued support for nurturing women’s sports at the grassroots level.
A Movement That Mirrors Swachh Bharat’s Spirit
Kezhochole Rhetso, Joint Director of Urban Development and State Mission Director of SBM (Urban), reflected on the journey of forming a women’s badminton club, an idea that began months ago. She noted that linking the tournament with the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign was symbolic of women’s leadership and community participation.
“This platform is special because it’s a women-led initiative that perfectly reflects the spirit of Swachh Bharat,” Rhetso said. “These players are not only athletes—they are ambassadors of cleanliness, discipline, and inspiration.”
Swachhotsav 2025: Sports Meets Civic Responsibility
The event aligns with Swachhotsav 2025, observed from September 17 to October 2, focusing on clean, green, and zero-waste celebrations. The campaign emphasizes:
- Community-driven cleanliness efforts
- Sanitation worker welfare
- Eco-friendly festivals and waste-free events
- Public participation in maintaining urban hygiene
By associating the Women’s Badminton Tournament Kohima with the Swachhotsav initiative, organizers aimed to unite athletic excellence with civic responsibility — turning the badminton court into a platform for both competition and social change.
A Celebration of Talent and Purpose
The event drew participation from sports enthusiasts, government officials, and dignitaries who lauded the initiative for empowering women while reinforcing the vision of SBM-U 2.0.
The programme featured a welcome address by Kesoweu, an invocation by Neimenuo, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Kohima, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Ningdang, marking a memorable day for women’s sports in Nagaland.
A Milestone for Women’s Sports in Nagaland
The Women’s Badminton Tournament Kohima 2025 not only celebrated athletic talent but also symbolized progress, inclusivity, and civic pride. As the state continues to promote sports among women, events like these highlight how games can go beyond the court — driving positive change and community engagement across Nagaland.
