The 14th edition of the Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Tournament (All Nagaland Open) is set to be held from September 16 to 18 at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex, Mokokchung.

The biennial tournament is being organised by the Luke Sasong Sporting Association under the aegis of the Mangmetong Students’ Union, with the state-level event aimed at promoting sportsmanship, youth development and community unity.

The tournament honours the memory of Luke Sasong, a distinguished son of Mangmetong village who was born on September 9, 1913, and died at the age of 27. He is remembered as one of the village’s early educationists, a pioneering Naga student leader, a freedom fighter during the British era and a devoted Christian leader.

Originally named Sasongdangba, he was given the name “Luke” by American missionary teachers because of what they described as his wise and compassionate nature, reminiscent of St Luke. He served as a pioneering Naga student leader from 1932 to 1935 and was elected president of the Ao Students’ Conference in 1938.

The memorial volleyball trophy was instituted by the Luke Sasong Sporting Association under the Mangmetong Students’ Union to preserve and honour his legacy of scholarship, courage, leadership, patriotism and Christian service.

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MH-10 Kohima eyes third straight title

Competition in this year’s edition is expected to intensify, with MH-10 Kohima, champions in the previous two editions in 2022 and 2024, seeking to retain the title for a third consecutive time.

With several emerging title contenders expected to challenge the defending champions, organisers anticipate a highly competitive tournament.

The 14th edition carries a total cash prize of ₹1.85 lakh. The champions will receive ₹80,000, while the runners-up will receive ₹50,000. The third- and fourth-placed teams will be awarded ₹25,000 and ₹15,000 respectively.

Individual awards for the Best Setter, Best Spiker and Player of the Tournament carry ₹5,000 each.

The tournament is open to teams from across Nagaland, with the condition that participating players must be Nagas of Nagaland.

Registration forms are available at G-Sports, Mokokchung, and the last date for submission is September 10, 2026.

For further information, interested teams may contact 7005511900, 8257926541 or 6009260066.