NAMSAI, Aug 07: In a vibrant celebration of youthful excellence, deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, accompanied by Namsai MLA, Chau Zingnu Namchoom, honored distinguished members of the Tai Khamti and Singpho communities at a grand felicitation ceremony organized by the All Tai Khamti Singpho Student Union (ATKSSU).

The event took place at the Golden Pagoda Eco Resort Auditorium here on Tuesday.

Mein extended his heartfelt congratulations to the young achievers who have made significant strides in academics, sports, and arts. He highlighted the role of healthy competition in driving excellence and preparing the youth for future successes.

Mein praised the ATKSSU for its initiative in recognizing and celebrating local talent and proposed that the annual felicitation be alternated between Namsai and Miao to enhance participation and foster stronger bonds between the Tai Khamti and Singpho communities.

Mein also advocated for the establishment of a coaching center for indoor and outdoor sports in Namsai, aimed at nurturing young sporting talents. He underscored the need for a rehabilitation center to address drug addiction issues.

Emphasizing the importance of the student phase as a foundation for future achievements, he encouraged students to remain focused, pursue their passions, and strive for excellence.

He also urged parents to support and motivate their children throughout their educational journeys.

Among the high achievers honored were students from Class X and Class XII, recognized for their outstanding academic results.

Notable mentions include Sengnu Emphum, Chau Wanseng Singthi, and Nang Koilani Mansai from Class X, and Nang Sneha Mungkhung, Chau Lonseng Mannoi, and Nang Sumetta Namchoom from Class XII.

In the sports arena, state-level achievers included Chau Nanwita Chaupoo and Chau Sujanand Khen, both gold medalists in the U-15 category at the 10th Dorjee Khandu Memorial State Badminton Championship, and Chau Soijan Manlong, who secured a silver medal in the U-17 category. Onglem Emboi was also honored for winning gold in Wushu U-16 at the Sansad Khel Spradha 2023.

Regional and national-level achievers included Nang Khemawati Manang, who won gold and silver in archery at the North-East Olympic 2022, and Chau Kiyon Manpang, who earned a silver medal.

Rahul Singpho was recognized for representing Arunachal Pradesh at the Santosh Trophy. At the international level, Chau Sumetha Longkan received a bronze medal in the under 56 kg senior category at the 9th International Moscow Wushu Star 2024, while Jokhum Dilli was honored with a bronze medal in MMA Fighters Senior at the Gamma Asian Championship 2021.

In the arts and cultural sphere, achievements included Chau Deep Manpoong and Nang Sukanya Moungkang, who placed in the Top 10 and Top 8 at Arunachal Idol, respectively.

Pisi Saning Singpho was recognized as the reigning Miss Glamour, Anandra Namchoom was the runner-up at the 9th Arunachal Film Festival, and Chau Saratham Namchoom received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Purushkar 2022-23.

The ceremony was also attended by Namsai DC K Tikhak, SP S Thinley, as well as members of the Tai Khamti Singpho Council and Tai Khamti Development Society, alongside numerous parents and students.