Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA) clinched its maiden Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy, defeating Savage Setters Volleyball Club, Chungtia, in the final of the 14th Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy 2026 at the Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium, Mokokchung, on Thursday.
The tournament was organised by the Luke Sasong Sporting Association (LSSA) under the aegis of the Mangmetong Students’ Union.
For CVA, the victory marked its first title in the memorial tournament after finishing runners-up in the 2022 and 2024 editions. The Changtongya-based team, established in 2018, has been participating in volleyball tournaments across Nagaland and made its third appearance in the Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy this year.
CVA had lost to MH-10 Kohima in the finals of the 2022 and 2024 editions, with MH-10 going on to become the tournament’s two-time champion. The two sides met again in the semi-final of the 2026 edition, where CVA prevailed in the deciding set to book its place in the final.
In the championship match, CVA defeated Savage Setters Volleyball Club, Chungtia, in four sets, 25-22, 25-19, 14-25 and 28-26.
The opening set was closely contested, with both teams exchanging points before CVA secured a 25-22 win. CVA also took the second set 25-19 after holding an early advantage.
Savage Setters responded strongly in the third set, establishing an early lead and maintaining control throughout to win 25-14 and reduce the deficit.
The fourth set produced the closest contest of the final. Neither side was able to establish a sustained advantage as the score remained level at several stages, including 14-14, 15-15 and 21-21. With the score tied at 24-24, CVA secured the final two points to win the set 28-26 and claim the championship.
Savage Setters Volleyball Club, Chungtia, reached the final after defeating Longsa Sporting Club (LSC) in the semi-final. The Chungtia side was a new entrant to the tournament this year and produced a competitive campaign to reach the championship match.
The third-place match saw MH-10 Kohima defeat Longsa Sporting Club. LSC won the opening set 25-21, before MH-10 came back to win the next two sets 25-19 and 25-15 to finish third.
CVA’s Sarilepzung was adjudged Best Setter, while Yongkongtenzük received the Best Spiker award. Imtinungba of Savage Setters Volleyball Club, Chungtia, was named Player of the Tournament.
The champion received a cash prize of Rs. 80,000, while the runners-up received Rs. 50,000. MH-10 Kohima and Longsa Sporting Club, semi-finalists and 2nd runners up MH-10 received Rs. 25,000 while Longsa Sporting club received 15,000. The Best Setter, Best Spiker and Best Libero awards carried Rs. 5,000 each. The tournament had a total cash prize component of Rs. 1.85 lakh.
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The closing programme was attended by Metsübo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Government of Nagaland, as Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Jamir recalled the legacy of Luke Sasong, whose name the tournament commemorates, and connected the remembrance of such pioneers with Mokokchung’s identity as the “Land of Pioneers.”
He said the lives and contributions of pioneers should continue to be remembered and their contributions respected. Recalling Sasong’s pursuit of education with aim and vision, the Minister said such stories form part of the broader history of individuals who contributed to society.
Jamir also highlighted the importance of discipline in sports and encouraged young people and athletes to uphold the values associated with sporting activities.
The closing programme included an invocation, special song, address by the Guest of Honour and prize distribution.
With CVA’s maiden title, the 14th edition concluded with a new champion, while Savage Setters’ run to the final marked a notable campaign for a team making its first appearance in the tournament.
