The 14th Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy 2026 got underway on Wednesday at the Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium, Mokokchung, with eight teams competing in the three-day tournament, which would continue till September 18.
The inaugural programme was graced by S Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor, Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, as the Guest of Honour.
Defending champion MH-10 Kohima opened its campaign with a 20–25, 25–20, 25–15 victory over Ever Green Club, Ungma, while Changtongya Volleyball Association, Savage Setters Volleyball Club, Chungtia and Longsa Sporting Association also registered wins on the opening day.
The tournament, organised by the Luke Sasong Sporting Association under the aegis of the Mangmetong Students’ Union, is being played in a best-of-three format during the league stage.
The eight participating teams have been divided into two pools. Pool A comprises MH-10 Kohima, Ever Green Club, Ungma, Savage Setters Volleyball Club, Chungtia and Twin Brothers, while Pool B consists of Changtongya Volleyball Association, Pangti Volleyball Team, United Brothers, Chakpa and Longsa Sporting Association.
In the opening match, MH-10 Kohima defeated Ever Green Club, Ungma, 2–1, winning the second and third sets after losing the opening set. The scores were 20–25, 25–20, 25–15.
In the second match, Changtongya Volleyball Association defeated Pangti Volleyball Team 2–0, with scores of 25–27, 25–16.
Savage Setters Volleyball Club, Chungtia defeated Twin Brothers 2–0 in the third match, with both sets ending 25–16.
In the fourth match, Longsa Sporting Association defeated United Brothers, Chakpa 2–0, with scores of 25–22, 25–9.
Addressing the gathering, Yimkhiung acknowledged the organising committee for continuing the memorial volleyball tournament and encouraged organisers, local bodies and students’ organisations to sustain support for sporting activities.
He said Nagaland has sporting potential and noted that the state is represented in different sporting disciplines. He pointed out that the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) is affiliated with the national Olympic movement and that around 22 sporting disciplines are represented in the state, including volleyball.
The Advisor emphasised the importance of regular training and practice throughout the year, rather than concentrating only on tournaments and championships during the sporting season. He said resources invested in tournaments could have greater long-term value if athletes were also given opportunities for consistent training.
He stressed that talented players need to practise regularly if they are to progress to higher platforms and said opportunities should be created for young athletes at the appropriate age. According to him, age is an important factor in identifying and nurturing sporting talent.
Yimkhiung also observed that sports bring together both players and spectators, with people who may not participate directly in a sport also becoming part of the sporting atmosphere through their support and engagement.
Referring to Mokokchung district, the Advisor said he had heard about the interest and efforts being put into different sporting disciplines in the district. He said sustained training and participation could help athletes and teams gain recognition beyond the district.
Recalling the popularity of volleyball tournaments in Nagaland during the late 1990s, Yimkhiung referred to the All Nagaland Volleyball Tournament held around 1997, 1998 and 1999, when teams and players from places including Guwahati, Shillong and Manipur participated.
He particularly recalled the participation of Longsa Sporting Association from Mokokchung district and its matches against teams from outside the state. Recalling a final between Longsa and a Shillong-based volleyball team, he said Longsa’s team spirit helped the team secure victory despite the opposing side having physical and attacking advantages.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
Yimkhiung said such performances contributed to volleyball in Mokokchung gaining recognition beyond the district and observed that the sporting tradition could be strengthened through consistent training.
Referring to the Dr. T. Ao Trophy, the Advisor said efforts should also be made to build greater recognition for the tournament and encourage participation and interest beyond Nagaland. He expressed the need for athletes from Mokokchung and Nagaland to reach national and international platforms.
He called upon organising committees, local councils and students’ organisations to cooperate in encouraging young sportspersons.
Yimkhiung also highlighted initiatives under the Sports Department, including the Khelo India framework, through which different sporting disciplines are promoted across districts. He mentioned disciplines such as archery, athletics, sepaktakraw, badminton and football, among others, and said academies and talent-identification programmes provide opportunities for promising athletes.
He said talent-search programmes for athletes below 17 years of age provide avenues for selected youngsters to receive facilities including free fooding and lodging. He cited sepaktakraw in Dimapur and football academies as examples of opportunities available under sports development initiatives.
The Advisor encouraged sporting associations to identify talented players and assist them in accessing academies, state-level opportunities and hostel facilities. He also urged athletes and parents to make use of schemes being implemented by the department.
On employment opportunities, Yimkhiung said government jobs are limited but pointed out that sports quota opportunities are available for eligible sportspersons. He encouraged athletes to work hard, remain on the right track and make use of government policies and schemes supporting sporting talent.
The closing programme followed by the grand final is scheduled from 6:00 PM on September 18 which will be graced by Metsübo Jamir, Minister RD and SIRD, Government of Nagaland.
The tournament seeks to continue the legacy of the Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy while providing a competitive platform for volleyball players from Nagaland and neighbouring areas.
Dr. Moalemla Imchen and Nichet Jamir were the hosts of the programme.The programme began with an invocation by Imtiwala Imchen, followed by a welcome address by Tsungsanger, President, Mangmetong Students’ Union. Atsula Pongen presented a special song. The programme also included the oath-taking ceremony and introduction of players by the Technical Committee.
