Chümoukedima, Nov. 6: The Hornbill Festival Invitational Badminton Championship 2026 will be held from December 2 to 5 at the Regional Centre for Sports Excellence, Sovima, Chümoukedima, bringing together badminton players from across the country.
The championship is being organised by the Nagaland Badminton Association in collaboration with the Directorate of Tourism and the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, with the support of the Government of Nagaland. Besides promoting badminton, the event aims to showcase Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage and hospitality.
With a total prize pool of ₹9 lakh, the championship will feature nine categories, including Under-15 Girls’ Singles, Under-17 Boys’ Doubles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and several combined age-group doubles categories for senior players.The organisers said the championship will provide valuable competitive exposure to local players while also encouraging young badminton enthusiasts to take up the sport.
The event is expected to bring together players from different generations and offer opportunities for sporting exchange and competitive matches.Adding to the Hornbill Festival experience, the championship will also feature traditional tribal huts and stalls, local delicacies, souvenirs, traditional games, a children’s play area, evening music and karaoke. Tour packages will also be available for visiting participants and spectators to experience more of Nagaland’s cultural celebrations.
The organisers said the championship seeks to broaden the Hornbill Festival as a destination for both cultural tourism and sporting events, while providing opportunities for players, visitors and families to celebrate badminton, friendship and Naga hospitality.
Entries for the championship will close on November 25, 2026. Interested participants may contact Mr. Joseph Sumi, Organising Secretary, for further enquiries.
