The much-awaited 18th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2025 was inaugurated today at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, Mokokchung, under the banner of the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA).
The opening ceremony was graced by Sentinenla, District Education Officer, Mokokchung, as the Special Guest, while Pretty Tzudir chaired the event. The programme began with an invocation by Atsole Khalo, Associate Pastor of Chakesang Baptist Church, Mokokchung.
In his welcome address, Apongti, Convener of the Planning Committee, extended a warm welcome to all teams and guests, highlighting the tournament’s legacy as a celebration of sporting excellence and community spirit. He went on to add that the teams participation in this prestigious event showed their love for the game.
Special Guest, Sentinenla, in her speech, lauded the MDVA for its consistent efforts in promoting sports at the grassroots level. She encouraged the youth to channel their energy into constructive activities like sports, which build discipline, unity, and leadership.
It is the most prestigious sporting event honouring the legacy of late. Master Imchaba, she added. Further commenting on the organizers and the participating teams for showcasing unity, strength and resilience, she urged the teams to compete with passion, and integrity, reflecting on true team spirit and sportsmanship.
Following the formalities, the Championship Trophy was handed over by defending champion MH-10 Kohima, and the tournament was officially declared open amid cheers from the audience.
14 Teams to Battle for the Coveted Trophy
This year’s edition features 14 strong teams from across Nagaland, competing in a league-cum-knockout format from October 21 to 24, 2025.
In the inaugural match, defending champions MH-10 Kohima faced a formidable opening challenge against Chienino Brothers Kiruphema ‘A’, third-place winner from 2023. However, the reigning champions showcased their dominance once again, outclassing their opponents in straight sets. MH-10 Kohima sealed the best-of-three encounter with ease, registering an impressive 25–16, 25–18 victory.
According to MDVA, the winners will receive ₹1 lakh, with ₹70,000, ₹30,000, and ₹20,000 for the next three spots respectively. Individual prizes of ₹5,000 each will also be given for Best Spiker, Best Setter, and Player of the Tournament.
Match 2: Longsa Sporting Club, Mokokchung vs Shikaho Memorial Club
The second match of Day 1 featured an engaging contest between Longsa Sporting Club, Mokokchung and Shikaho Memorial Club. The opening set began with both teams going neck and neck, maintaining a tight scoreline of 9–9 in the first quarter. However, a series of miscommunications between the receivers and setters cost Shikaho crucial points, allowing Longsa Sporting Club to take control and close the set 25–17 in their favor.
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In the second set, Shikaho Memorial Club returned with renewed spirit and determination. Unfortunately, fate took an unfavorable turn when their key player, jersey number 8, suffered a sprained ankle mid-game. The loss of a crucial player disrupted their rhythm, enabling Longsa Sporting Club to capitalize and secure an easy 25–20 win — sealing the match in straight sets.
Match 3: Evergreen Club Ungma vs Southern Angami Sports Association
The much-anticipated face-off between Evergreen Club Ungma and Southern Angami Sports Association ended without play, as the Southern Angami side conceded a walkover due to withdrawal, handing Evergreen Club Ungma a victory by default.
Match 4: Chienino Brothers Kiruphema ‘B’ vs Fly High Tuensang
Match 4 of Day 1 witnessed Fly High Tuensang deliver an impressive performance against Chienino Brothers Kiruphema ‘B’. The opening set saw the Tuensang side dominate early on, firing consecutive aces and maintaining firm control of the court. Key players Chiba, Sangle, and Moa played pivotal roles in securing the first set with a confident 25–20 win.
The second set unfolded as a tightly contested battle, with both teams matching each other point for point up to the 21st mark. However, Fly High Tuensang displayed greater composure and teamwork in the closing moments, breaking the deadlock and sealing the match with a 25–21 victory.
Match 5: Changtongya Volleyball Association vs United Changki
Title contenders and last year’s runners-up, Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA), struggled to find their rhythm as United Changki—a crowd favourite—dominated the opening set with an emphatic 25–13 victory.
Determined to reclaim their past glory, CVA came back stronger in the second set, displaying an aggressive offensive strategy. Both teams went point-for-point in a thrilling exchange that had the audience on edge. In a tightly contested finish, CVA managed to snatch the set 27–25, keeping their hopes alive.
The decisive third set turned out to be a spectacle of skill and intensity, with both sides trading powerful smashes and clever plays. However, United Changki’s composure and tactical brilliance shone through in the latter half of the set. With the crowd roaring in their support, they sealed the match convincingly with a 25–15 win—proving themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the tournament.
Match 6: Spadroon Club, Chungtia vs Yangs Brothers
The sixth match of the day unfolded at a measured pace, with Yangs Brothers displaying strong defensive blocks early on. However, the experienced Spadroon Club from Chungtia gradually took control, delivering precise and powerful strikes that earned them the first set 25–19.
In the second set, Spadroon Club carried forward their momentum with finesse and confidence, outclassing the relatively inexperienced Yangs Brothers in all departments. Their cohesive teamwork and sharp attacks sealed the set 25–16, wrapping up a convincing straight-sets victory.
Match 7: MH-10 Kohima vs Longsa Sporting Club, Mokokchung
In one of the most thrilling encounters of Pool A, two of the tournament’s most seasoned sides; MH-10 Kohima and Longsa Sporting Club Mokokchung locked horns in a battle that kept the crowd on edge from start to finish. Both teams displayed remarkable skill, mixing clever plays with deceptive placements that left their opponents scrambling for coverage.
With each side boasting multiple past championship titles, the clash truly felt like a final being played on Day 1. The sets were nothing short of intense, as both teams fought point-for-point in a contest marked by determination and grit.
Ultimately, defending champions MH-10 Kohima proved why they still hold the crown, edging out Longsa Sporting Club in a nail-biting first set 27–25 before sealing the match with a composed 25–18 win in the second set. It was a statement victory and a reminder that the champions are here to defend their title in style.
