The 1^st Open Volleyball Tournament – Day and Night matches kicked off at Aonokpu Village, Mokokchung organized by Aonokpu Kaketshir Telongjem and hosted by Aonokpu Village council on 19 October with Temjen Imna Along Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education and Tribal Affairs GoN as the Inaugural Guest.

Humbled to be a part of the Open Volleyball Tournament-Day and Night Matches, as the inaugural guest, in the presence of Hon’ble MLA of Mariani A/C, Assam, Shri. @RKurmiOfficial Ji, organized by Aonokpu Kaketshir Telongjem, at Aonokpu Village under my Constituency. pic.twitter.com/6MUVwWb3VS

— Temjen Imna Along (@AlongImna) October 19, 2022

Temjen Imna Along in his address expressed feeling proud to be in the village of pioneers like Dr. Imkongliba Longkumer who was elected the president of the Naga Peoples’ Convention under whose leadership the 16-point agreement was signed. He congratulated the Anokpu Village Council for epitomizing the reality of the 16^th state by staying strong in the virtue of Dr. Imkongliba.

He encouraged the players to not play for the sake of playing but instead play with the discipline of sportsmanship. Reflecting on the covid pandemic years he stated, “Tough times makes strong people, tough times give rise to leadership and tough times give birth to strong people”.

Adding that we have had our share of tough times and underdevelopment has given rise to our aspirations to be developed like the rest of the country.

In his welcome address Jongpongchiten Longchar, President, Aonokpu Kaketshir Telongjem noted that the village is hosting such a tournament for the first time and stated that “pleasure lies in the game and not the victory”.

He encouraged the various teams participating in the tournament to compete positively and wished that the best team wins.

Earlier the programme was compered by Ajungla Longkumer, invocation was pronounced by Merangkaba Sanglir Pastor, Aonokpu Baptist Church, speech by chief host, P Alemmeren Longkumer, Chairman, Aonokpu Village Council, special presentation by Christian Education Ministry, Aonokpu Baptist Church followed by speech from special guest T Lankosen Tsanglao NCS ADC Mangkolemba, speech from special invitee Imdongtangba President, Japukong Senso Senden, special member from Moakumzuk while oath taking was done by Imkongmeren Tzudir Member, Organizing Committee with kick off by the Inaugural Guest.