The Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA) has announced the successful conclusion of the Team Nagaland Trials, held on March 7 at The Fitness House, Dimapur. The trials were conducted to officially select athletes who would represent Nagaland at the Inaugural Mithun Rhino Pickleball Championship 2026, an interstate championship between Nagaland and Assam, scheduled for March 14 and 15 at The Fitness House, Dimapur.
This landmark event is part of the broader vision of the State Government and the NPA to strengthen sports diplomacy, create meaningful sporting exchanges, and build stronger relationships between athletes, associations, and communities across states.
The Nagaland Pickleball Association aspires not only to build competitive excellence in pickleball, but also to promote sportsmanship, unity, and oneness through sport. Through this initiative, the Association seeks to foster better relationships with sportspersons across the nation, encourage cross-border sporting collaboration, inspire the next generation of athletes, and position Nagaland as an emerging destination for modern and inclusive sporting events.
The Nagaland Pickleball Association further believes that strong collaboration and meaningful partnerships are central to the future of sport in the region. Events such as the Mithun Rhino Pickleball Championship are made possible through the coming together of associations, athletes, venue partners, supporters, and stakeholders who share a common vision.
NPA looks forward to continued partnerships that will strengthen infrastructure, expand participation, elevate standards of competition, and build a sustainable sporting ecosystem for Nagaland and beyond.
The inaugural Mithun Rhino Pickleball Championship 2026 would begin on March 14 at 12 noon at The Fitness House, Dimapur. The fixture is Nagaland versus Assam Interstate Championship
The NPA has expressed gratitude to The Fitness House, Dimapur, for graciously hosting the Team Nagaland Trials and looked forward to a continued partnership as we work together to grow the sport of pickleball across Nagaland and the Northeast.
The NPA also congratulated every athlete who stepped onto the court on March 7.
The selection of Team Nagaland was determined through two pathways. Direct entry spots were awarded to champions from the previous tournament in recognition of their outstanding performance, while all remaining positions were determined through the official Team Nagaland Trials held on March 7. The Nagaland team has begun its training session under the guidance of the NPA.
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Nagaland Team Manager: Nisuka Khulu
Men’s Interstate Team Championship : Vilasier Khate (Team Captain); Megotsolie Khate; David Murry; Tonoto Ayemi; Imsuren Longchar; Kabinlo Kent; Chuba Imsong; Imtinok Pongener; Nzamo Kikon (Reserve); Zhaputso Khate (Reserve); and Ohito Awomi (Reserve)
Women’s Interstate Team Championship: Eyeni Yanthan (Team Captain); Lentina Longkumer; Chubasenla Aier; Elona Ayemi; Yangtila Ozukum; and Imtila Pongen
Veterans Interstate Team Championship: Kuchi R Zeliang (Team Captain); Kenei Miachieo; Lhouvi Punyu; Abu Metha; Vikho Khate; Ringo Odyuo; Rohan Abraham (Reserve); Chichan Shitiri (Reserve); and Mongden Jamir (Reserve)
Mixed Doubles: Chubasenla Aier (Team Captain); Kabinlo Kent; Imtinok Pongener; Megotsolie Khate; Menuovi Kire; Eyeni Yanthan; Imtila Pongen; and Lentina Longkumer
Open Categories
Mixed Doubles
Imtinok Pongener / Eyeni Yanthan
Megotsolie Khate / Imtila Pongen
Menuovi Kire / Lentina Longkumer
Chubasenla Aier / Kabinlo Kent
Men’s Singles
Vilasier Khate
Megotsolie Khate
Nzamo Kikon
Zhaputso Khate
Men’s Doubles
David Murry / Tonoto Ayemi
Kabinlo Kent / Imsuren Longchar
Chuba Imsong / Imtinok Pongener
Nzamo Kikon / Ohito Awomi
Women’s Doubles
Chubasenla Aier / Eyeni Yanthan
Lentina Longkumer / Elona Ayemi
Yangtila Ozukum / Imtila Pongen
Veterans Doubles 40+
Kenei Miachieo / Lhouvi Punyu
Abu Metha / Vikho Khate
Kuchi R Zeliang / Ringo Odyuo
Chichan Shitiri / Mongden Jamir
Rohan Abraham (Substitute)
Veterans Doubles 45+
Abu Metha / Kenei Miachieo
