Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Assam cemented its status as the regional powerhouse by claiming five individual titles at the North East Zone Inter-State Badminton Championship. The four-day tournament wrapped up on September 19 at the JN Indoor Stadium in Shillong. Assam arrived in command. The state had already swept the men's, women's, and U-19 team championships earlier in the week.
Over 270 players and officials from eight states attended. The Meghalaya State Badminton Association organized the event with support from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs and the Badminton Association of India. Assam began the final day with a clean sweep of the U-19 singles. Gargi Saikia beat Noimikha Saikhia 15-3, 15-9 in the girls' final. Prangan Choudhury toppled Arnav Protim Borgohain 15-9, 15-10 for the boys' title.
Other states fought for space on the podium. Arunachal Pradesh secured its lone gold when Manku Taku and Gyurmey Tseten won the U-19 boys' doubles. Mizoram took two titles: the U-19 girls' doubles and the mixed doubles. Manipur also secured two titles, including the senior mixed doubles and the women's doubles.
Assam's depth remained clear. Avikaa Borgohain claimed the women's singles title. Himanish Das won the men's singles. T Boruah and N Choudhury finished the tournament by winning the men's doubles final. Meghalaya’s Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang attended the closing ceremony. She "congratulated the medallists and praised the participation of young players from across the region."
Host state Meghalaya ended the tournament with four bronze medals. Elsarica Umdor, Netania T Tariang, Gavin Kharbuki, Gitchiak Bregim A Sangma, and Sonnal Joshi all placed. These matches served as key preparation for the 2027 National Games, which Meghalaya is set to host.
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