Tezu, Dec 2: The late Kalikho Pul Memorial State Level Table Tennis Championship was inaugurated today in Tezu with a vibrant ceremony that celebrated sportsmanship, youth empowerment and the growing table tennis culture in Arunachal Pradesh. The event was organised by the Lohit District Table Tennis Association in collaboration with the Department of Sports and the District Administration, Lohit.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Deputy Commissioner Lohit, Kesang Ngurup Damo, inspired participants with the message, “Jeet ka pehla lakshan hai atma vishwas.” He stressed that discipline, hard work and determination are the foundation of excellence in any sport. The DC encouraged youth to look beyond conventional career choices such as SP, DC, doctor or engineer, and to consider sports as a powerful medium to serve society and bring pride to their district.
He cited the achievements of icons like Mary Kom, Baichung Bhutia and Hima Das to highlight how sportspersons from the Northeast have made India proud globally. Sharing his personal passion for adventure sports, he also mentioned his role as Chairman of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (NE Zone), motivating participants to pursue their dreams with courage and perseverance.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, the Chairman of the Lohit District Table Tennis Association expressed heartfelt gratitude to the dignitaries, sponsors and supporters for nurturing budding sportspersons. He urged players to maintain discipline, respect and fair play throughout the tournament.
Representing the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), the Vice President (Arunachal Pradesh) thanked the State Government and Lohit District Administration for providing a meaningful platform for young athletes. Highlighting the sport’s rapid growth in the state, he noted that TTFI-registered players have risen from only 20 in the early years of the championship to 153 registered players today. 
He emphasised the role of sports in combating social challenges like drug abuse, adding the strong message: “Drug chhodo, khel se judo.”
Thoudam Sanamatum, Commandant, 125th Battalion, ITBP, complimented the positive values and discipline that sports instill. Reflecting on his eight years in Arunachal Pradesh, he noted the remarkable rise of sports culture in the region and extended best wishes to all the participants.
Gumnya Karbak from the Directorate of Sports Authority, Arunachal Pradesh, appreciated the Lohit District Administration for successfully organising yet another major sports event. He encouraged youth to pursue at least one sport seriously, reminding them of the opportunities sports can offer, including government jobs under the sports quota. He motivated players with the words, “Kheloge khudoge, banoge lajawab.”
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Amikso Chai, General Secretary, Lohit District Table Tennis Association, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, departments, sponsors and volunteers for their support in making the event a grand success.
The championship aims to boost table tennis in the region and provide a competitive platform for emerging talent from across Arunachal Pradesh. DIPRO

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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