SENAPATI, Sept 27:   The 3rd edition of the Lt Col Robert T.A. Memorial Badminton Tournament, organized by the Indian Army as part of Operation Sadbhavana, successfully concluded today with a grand closing ceremony at the Rikhumai Taphou Indoor Badminton Hall.

The tournament, held from September 23 to 27, was conducted in honor of the late Lieutenant Colonel Robert T.A., the first officer from the Maram Naga community to serve in the Indian Army. Lt Col Robert, commissioned into the 3 Engineer Regiment in 2004, sacrificed his life on May 14, 2020, during a snow clearance expedition in North Sikkim, leading his team through an avalanche.

Over five days, 210 participants, both men and women from various age groups, competed in over 170 matches in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories. The final matches in the men’s singles and women’s doubles categories were played during the closing ceremony, which was graced by Mrs. Chingpai Rangnamei, wife of Lt Col Robert, along with senior Indian Army officers and other dignitaries. The winners were honored for their performances during the event.

The tournament garnered significant appreciation from the local community, offering the youth and residents of Senapati district a platform to display their sportsmanship and talent. The Indian Army continues to honor its heroes while promoting a culture of sports and fitness in the region.