In a display of remarkable talent and resilience, 13-year-old table tennis sensation Riying Modi from Napit village clinched three gold medals at the 4th Kalikho Pul State Level Table Tennis Championship 2025, emerging as the standout performer in a fiercely contested event. The young prodigy, a Class X student at Siang Model School in Pasighat, dominated the Under-15, Under-19, and Open categories, cementing his status as one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most promising emerging athletes.
The championship, held from December 2 to 4 in Tezu, Lohit district, was organised by the Lohit District Table Tennis Association in collaboration with the Sports Department and district administration. Named the Late Kalikho Pul Memorial State Level Table Tennis Championship, the tournament attracted vibrant participation from across the state, including districts such as Lohit, East Siang, S.S.A Miao, Sangay Lhaden Academy, Leparada, Kurung Kumey, Anjaw, Changlang, and others. It featured a wide array of categories, from Under-11 to Men’s, Women’s, 40+ Singles, Doubles, and Team Events, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for table tennis among Arunachal’s youth and seasoned players.
Riying’s Path to Glory
Riying, son of Toi Modi and Beauty Yao Modi, delivered a flawless performance, securing comfortable victories in the Under-15 and Open categories. His Under-19 final was a nail-biter, where he trailed 0-2 in sets but staged a stunning comeback, winning the next three sets (3-2 overall) after drawing motivation from his father during a crucial timeout. The turnaround highlighted not just his skill but also his mental fortitude under pressure.
In a post-match interaction with the media, Riying expressed his elation and ambition:
“The wins in Under-15 and Open were comfortable, but the Under-19 final tested me. I aspire to represent Arunachal Pradesh at the national level and eventually compete in the Olympics.”
Felicitation and Words of Encouragement
On December 6, the East Siang Table Tennis Association and East Siang Olympic Association organised a special felicitation ceremony in Pasighat to honour Riying’s achievements. The event was attended by sports enthusiasts, coaches, and local dignitaries who showered praise on the young champion.
Speakers, including District Sports Officer A. Sitek, DTO Bharat Scouts & Guides T. Padung, retired Group Captain Mohonto Pangging Pao, Dr. Kaling Jerang, and veteran players, lauded Riying’s discipline, focus, and determination. They urged him to channel his energy towards national championships and set his sights on the Olympics, emphasising the role of consistent training and mentorship.
Coaches and supporters echoed the sentiment, noting that Riying’s dedication positions him as a beacon for aspiring athletes in the state. “His talent and work ethic make him a future star,” one coach remarked.
A Bright Future for Table Tennis in Arunachal
The championship not only spotlighted individual brilliance but also reflected the rising sporting culture in Arunachal Pradesh. Organisers highlighted how events like this are nurturing a new generation of players, fostering discipline and community spirit through sports. With talents like Riying Modi leading the charge, the state is poised for greater success on national and international stages.
Riying’s triple gold haul serves as an inspiring narrative of perseverance and potential, reminding us that Arunachal’s hills are breeding grounds for champions who can put the state on the global map.
(Source: India Today NE)
