Lt Col Robert Memorial Badminton Tournament-2025 commences in Senapati
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, September 18 2025: The 4th edition of Lieut Col Robert Memorial Badminton Tournament, 2025 commenced at Rikhumai Indoor Badminton Hall, Senapati.

The event was graced by Chingpai Rangnamei, wife of Lt Col (Late) Robert TA as special guest in the presence of senior army officers, District Youth Affairs & Sports Office, Senapati, District level officers and badminton players from the district.

The tournament is organised by the Indian Army, under Operation Sadbhavana in memory of Lt Col Robert from Maram village in Senapati district.

He was bom to Thoiba Angelus and K Karaila on January 24, 1981 and joined the Army in 2004 at the age of 23 .

Lt Col Robert Memorial Badminton Tournament-2025 commences in Senapati

He became the first person from the Maram community to don the army uniform as an officer through technical entry scheme(TES) and was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers.

Besides being a committed soldier, he was a keen sportsman and excelled in various sports.

During his training days he was nicknamed as "Ronaldo" by his course-mates.

In 2008, he was awarded the VCOAS, Commendation after his team under his leadership completed the prestigious Army Adventure Challenger Cup and emerged as the winner.

He was promoted to the rank of Lt Col in the year 2017 and by 2020, he had put around 16 years of service after having worked in various operational areas.

He died in the line of duty in 2020 as he was leading one patrol cum snow clearance team comprising three officers and 18 other soldiers on 14 May who were struck by a horrific avalanche on their way.

Although a rescue operation was launched jointly with the elements of Indian Army, Indian Air Force and ITBP and they were extricated, Robert and many of his soldiers lost their lives owing to prolonged exposure to extreme cold conditions.

He is survived by his wife Chingpai Rangnamei and two daughters Pungdila Deborah and Hinga.

Addressing the gathering, Commanding Officer of the 2 MAHAR Regiment stated that Lt Col Robert laid down his life in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

Manipur, despite its small geographical size and comparatively smaller population, has achieved a lot in all spheres of life.

The Red Shield Division is organising the event in its efforts to identify and encourage sportsmen of Senapati district, he said.

The tournament features different categories, including singles, doubles and mixed doubles for students, men and women, with participants spanning multiple age groups from under 11 to over 60 years.