3 weeks ago
Arunachal CM opens Dorjee Khandu Memorial Badminton Championship, doubles funding
The chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, a state in India, opened a big badminton competition.
The competition is named after a former chief minister who loved badminton.
The government is giving more money to the championship, increasing its support from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.
More than four hundred players, including many girls, are taking part in the event.
During the five days, hundreds of matches will be played.
The state has been building new sports stadiums and training programs.
A player from the state won a gold medal at an international badminton event in Brazil.
A new badminton academy with twenty courts is being built.
The chief minister says the state has lots of talent and just needs good training.
He hopes the state will soon be able to host international badminton competitions.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the five-day 13th Dorjee Khandu Memorial State Badminton Championship-2026 at the Khelo India indoor stadium in Itanagar.
Annual financial support for the championship was increased from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh starting this year.
The championship brings together 402 badminton players, including 95 girls, competing in 543 matches across 28 events.
Arunachal Pradesh ranked second among northeastern states in the latest National Games ranking, with the 39th National Games set for Meghalaya in March next year.
Para-badminton player Biri Takar won a gold medal at the Brazil Para Badminton International 2026, and construction is underway on a 20-court Dorjee Khandu Badminton Academy.
- Who
- Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA), and 402 badminton players from across the state.
- What
- The opening of the 13th Dorjee Khandu Memorial State Badminton Championship-2026, with annual funding increased from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.
- Where
- Khelo India indoor stadium, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
- When
- Declared open on Saturday, with the championship running for five days; the 39th National Games are slated for March next year.
- Why
- To commemorate late former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, identify and nurture young badminton talent, and strengthen the state's sporting ecosystem.
Key facts
- Event
- 13th Dorjee Khandu Memorial State Badminton Championship-2026
- Duration
- Five days
- Venue
- Khelo India Indoor Stadium, Itanagar
- Participants
- 402 players, including 95 girls
- Matches and Events
- 543 matches across 28 events
- Annual Funding
- Increased from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh
- Organiser
- Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA)
- Athlete Highlight
- Biri Takar won gold at Brazil Para Badminton International 2026
Quotes
Pema Khandu
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister
“Once the academy is completed, we will be able to host international‑level badminton competitions here.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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