Dr. P. Devachandra Singh and Gunzan Gongo declared as best players
RONO HILLS, 17 Aug: Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) emerged victorious in the RGU vs NERIST Independence Day Badminton Running Trophy-II, defeating the Team NERIST 10-5 in a 15-a-side doubles contest.
A total of 13 men's and two women's teams from each institution participated, comprising faculty members, academic administrators, non-teaching staff, research scholars and students.
Dr. P. Devachandra Singh of NERIST and Gunzan Gongo of RGU bagged the best players awards in the men's and women's categories, respectively.
The best smasher award went to RGU's Bila Karbak.
NERIST's Chewang Thupden Bhutia and Debia Kamin, and the RGU's Gunzan Gongo and Tayo Ana won the best men's team and best women's team awards, respectively.
Trophies were given away to all the players by RGU vice chancellor prof. Shivaraj, RGU registrar Dr. N.T Rikam, NERIST director (in-charge) prof. Tado Karlo and others.
The tournament was jointly inaugurated by the RGU VC and the NERIST director in-charge.
Speaking on the occasion, prof. Shivaraj said that the badminton running trophy between RGU and NERIST is much more than a sporting competition.
"It is a celebration of camaraderie, healthy competition and the spirit of institutional fellowship," he said.
Prof. Shivaraj said RGU and NERIST share a common responsibility towards nurturing young minds and promoting excellence in every sphere.
"I am confident that this tournament will further strengthen our bond and inspire our students to embrace discipline, teamwork and the true spirit of sportsmanship," he added.
Dr. Rikam said that sports events like this bring the two organizations closer to come together and be a part of the national flagship celebrations.
"The RGU-NERIST Badminton Running Trophy is a wonderful initiative that brings together two important institutions of higher learning in the state through the universal language of sport. Such engagements provide students and members of both institutions an opportunity to compete in a healthy environment, build friendships and strengthen institutional relationships," he said.
Prof. Karlo was in all praise for the organizers for creating an environment and exclusive ambience of sports befitting the Independence Day celebrations in the two institutes of higher learning.
"We are delighted to be part of the RGU-NERIST Badminton Running Trophy, which provides a wonderful opportunity for healthy competition, interaction and fellowship between the two premier institutions of Arunachal Pradesh. Sports have the unique ability to transcend institutional boundaries and bring people together in the spirit of teamwork and mutual respect," prof. Karlo said.
RGU joint registrar Dr. David Pertin who coordinated the event said the idea behind the RGU-NERIST Badminton Running Trophy had always been to create a platform where competition goes hand in hand with friendship and fellowship.
"Organising the tournament as part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations adds a special significance to the event, as it reflects the values of unity, discipline and collective spirit that define our nation," he said.
Chairman of the Officers' Club of RGU and joint registrar Dr. Nani Tamang Jose said that such a tournament is a celebration of fitness, friendship and healthy competition, giving some cherished sporting traditions between RGU and NERIST.
