By Prarthana Hazarika
Shillong, Sept 17: Indian international badminton player Ashmita Chaliha has made her return to the Northeast Inter-State Badminton Championship after a gap of six years, marking a special moment as she once again takes the court representing Team Assam.
Chaliha, who has spent the past six years competing in the Central Zone, expressed her delight at returning to the regional tournament and reconnecting with the badminton circuit in the Northeast. For the Assam shuttler, the championship provides an opportunity to compete in familiar surroundings while witnessing the growth of the sport across the region.
“It feels amazing. Since six years, I haven’t been participating in the Northeast tournaments because I was playing in Central Zone. So, after six years, I think this is the first time I’m playing here. And yeah, it feels amazing,” Chaliha said in an exclusive interaction with The MeghalayanExpress.
Speaking about her experience at the championship, Chaliha also praised the weather and the overall atmosphere, describing her return as a positive experience. Her participation comes at a time when badminton in the Northeast continues to provide opportunities for players to develop their skills and compete at different levels.
‘Northeast Has a Lot of Talented Players’
Chaliha was vocal about the sporting potential of the Northeast, underlining the talent emerging from the region and the performances its athletes have delivered over the years.
“In general, I think the Northeast have a lot of talented players, and also they have given immense results and performances. So, I think Northeast is ready for any sport, and they can, you know, handle any tournament pressure,” she said.
Her comments reflect the growing aspirations of athletes from the region, where sporting talent continues to emerge across various disciplines. Chaliha’s own journey from Assam to the international badminton stage offers an example of the opportunities available to players who continue to pursue competitive sport.
The shuttler also spoke about the emerging players she faced during the championship. Drawing from her experience of playing at the international level, she acknowledged that young athletes in the Northeast are progressing and developing through structured training.
“If I have to compare international players, like I played the ones I played today, I think they are coming up. And nowadays everyone is in some academy, so I think they are growing. They are coming up,” Chaliha said.
‘Enjoy What You Play’
While competitive badminton demands discipline, preparation and performance, Chaliha believes that young players must also maintain a positive approach towards the sport. She urged aspiring shuttlers not to become overly focused on the outcome of every match.
“I would just say you don’t have to think so much. You just have to enjoy what you play,” she said.
Elaborating on her advice, Chaliha stressed that winning and losing are both part of competition, and players should concentrate on giving their best rather than allowing pressure to dominate their performance.
“The important thing is you have to enjoy what you play, and you don’t have to think much about winning or losing. It’s part of the game. We just have to, you know, give your all and just enjoy the game,” she added.
A Return That Highlights Regional Potential
Chaliha’s return to the Northeast Inter-State Badminton Championship brings an international perspective to a regional competition that brings together players from across the Northeast. Her remarks on the region’s talent, academy-based development and competitive potential offer encouragement to young athletes looking to progress in badminton.
As the sport continues to develop, the focus on player preparation, competitive exposure and a healthy approach to performance remains important. For Chaliha, her return after six years is not just about participating in a championship, but also about experiencing the sporting environment of the region once again.
Her message to the next generation of shuttlers is simple: enjoy the game, give your best and treat winning and losing as part of the journey.
