Valour recalled as Lt Col Robert tourney begins
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, September 23 2024: The 3rd edition of Lt Col Robert TA Memorial Badminton Tournament-2024 organised by the Indian Army under Operation Sadbhavana commenced from Monday at the multi-purpose indoor hall, Rikhumai Taphou, Senapati.

The inauguration programme of the five-day tournament was held with 59 Mountain Brigade, Senapati commander brigadier AA Ukidwe as chief guest and Chingpai Rangnamei, wife of (late) lieutenant colonel Robert TA, as guest of honour.

The tournament is being held in memory of Lt Colonel Robert TA, the first from the Maram Naga community to join the Indian Army as an officer in 2004.Presenting a brief history of the army officer, 2 Maha Regiment's major Aditya recounted that Lt Col Robert, son of Thoiba Angelus and K Karaila of Maram village was born on January 24, 1981.He joined the Army in the year 2004, became the first from the Maram Naga community to don the army uniform as an officer through Technical Entry Scheme (TES), commissioned into the Corps of Engineering and promoted to lieutenant colonel in 2017.In his 16 years of service, Lt Col Robert worked in areas near the Indo-China border.

According to Col Aditya, in 2020 when Lt Col Robert's unit was deployed in North Sikkim Area of Responsibility (AOR), he led a patrol cum snow clearance team comprising three officers and 18 soldiers on May 14, when an avalanche struck them, entrapping Lt Col Robert and his soldiers under tonnes of snow.

A massive rescue operation launched by Indian Army, Indian Air Force and ITBP managed to extricate a number of soldiers but Lt Col Robert TA lost his life owing to prolonged exposure to extreme cold conditions, he said.

In his address, Brigadier AA Ukidwe stated that the late army officer is a pride for everyone and saluted the late army officer for the supreme sacrifice made.

Stating that conduct of such a prestigious tournament is in memory of Lt Col Robert's remarkable deeds, Brigadier AA Ukidwe also commended officials of Senapati District Badminton Association (SDBA) for conduct of the tournament every year.

The brigadier also extend ed warm regards to wife of the late army officer, their two daughters and family members, and called upon all youths of the district to actively participate in the tournament.

A two-minute silence was observed in honour of Lt Col Robert while glimpses of his life were showcased during the inaugural programme also attended by senior Indian Army officers.

Around 250 players are participating in the tournament in different categories, including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles for various age groups.

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