Imphal, February 06: A tennis gallery was inaugurated today at the premises of Officers' Club at Lamphelpat where All India Tennis Association Ranking championship will be held from February 14 to 19.The gallery was constructed under the memory of baby Lungnila Elizabeth who was kidnapped by unidentified persons on November 4, 2003 and later found murdered on November 12.Eight year old Elizabeth was the daughter of Manipur education minister Francis Ngajokpa.

She was kidnapped from her school Little Flower School here.

The incident caused trauma to the people of Manipur.

Lungnila Elizabeth Memorial Tennis Gallery constructed was by Manipur Tennis Association under a project funded by state government.

The gallery was inaugurated by Francis Ngajokpa in a solemn function held this afternoon accompanied by Elizabeth's mother.

The inaugural function was also attended by Manipur chief secretary Jarnail Singh besides the officials of Manipur Tennis Association.

Manipur Tennis Association under the aegis of All India Tennis Association (AITA) is going to host AITA ranking men's singles and double championship from February 14 to 19.It is the first national tennis championship ever held in Manipur.

MATA president Dr Ksh Kala said preparation is almost complete for the forthcoming championship.

Saying about 70 tennis players including 40 ranking players will participate in the championship.

Four tennis players of Manipur will take part in the championship, he said.

The four state players are now undergoing intensive coaching, he further said.

He also appealed to all organizations not to call any form of bandh and general strike before and during the championship which may disrupt the championship.

A total cash prize of 4 lakh will be distributed to the winners.

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