The 16th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2023, organized by the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association, commenced today at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Mokokchung. Colonel Rahul Gurung, Commandant of the 12th Assam Rifles, Mokokchung, graced the event as the Inaugural Patron.

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In his speech, Inaugural Patron Rahul Gurung encouraged all participating players to strive for excellence and make their supporters proud. He acknowledged the vital role parents play in nurturing talent and fostering the spirit of volleyball. Gurung also praised the Master Imchaba family for their contribution to the tournament’s success, emphasizing how it not only motivates participants but also encourages the sport and showcases players’ skills.

Colonel Gurung commended the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association for their dedication in organizing this prestigious trophy and providing guidance. He urged the teams representing different districts to emulate the pride instilled by Dr. T Ao among the Nagas.

The championship winner will receive a cash prize of INR 80,000, a running trophy, and certificates. The first runner-up will be awarded INR 50,000 along with certificates, while the third and fourth runner-up teams will receive cash prizes of INR 30,000 and INR 20,000, respectively. Additionally, individual awards will be presented to outstanding players.

A total of 19 teams, comprising 15 from Mokokchung, 2 from Kohima, 1 from Dimapur, and 1 from Peren District, are vying for the Prestigious Trophy. The tournament is set to conclude on September 22.

The tournament’s opening match saw Spartan Club from Lakhuni competing against Chienino Brothers from Kiruphema, Kohima. The Chienino Brothers secured victory, defeating the Spartan Club of Lakhuni in straight sets with scores of 25-16 and 25-22.

Lakhi Longkumer, Convenor of the Organizing Committee, delivered the welcome address, while the oath-taking ceremony was led by Reshitemjen, player from the MH-10, Kohima, representing the defending champions.

In the second match of the tournament, Changtongya Volleyball Association emerged victorious defeating Tongden Club B with a scoreline of 25-16, 25-22.

Evergreen Club Ungma displayed their strength in the third match, beating FAC in a closely contested battle with scores of 27-29, 16-25.

Kumlong Sporting Association put up a fierce fight against defending champions MH-10 Kohima in the fourth match but narrowly succumbed, losing 27-25, 25-23.

Newcomers Ozumi Volleyball Team showcased their potential in the fifth match, outclassing United Changki with scores of 26-24, 25-16.

In the sixth match, Archippus Club Dimapur secured their first win, defeating Rongpang Club Tzurangkong with impressive scores of 25-13, 25-18.

In a series of thrilling volleyball matches, the Peren Volleyball Association emerged victorious in the 7th game by defeating Tongden Club A in consecutive sets, securing victory with scores of 25-19 and 25-23.

The 8th match witnessed the debutant team, G Sport Mokokchung, assert their dominance as they triumphed over Spartan Club Lakhuni in straight sets, sealing the win with scores of 25-16 and 25-17.

An unexpected upset transpired during the 9th match when CHIENINO BROTHERS KIRUPHEMA outplayed the favoured Changtongya Volleyball Association A, winning with scores of 25-19 and 25-22. They are establishing themselves as a surprise contender in pool B, having already secured two wins in two matches.

In the 10th match, Evergreen Club Ungma claimed the initial set with a score of 25-14. Nevertheless, J.N Aier Memorial Club Yajang C mounted a comeback, taking the second set with a score of 25-19. In the decisive set, J.N Aier Memorial Club Yajang C’s resolute teamwork mobilized them to victory with a final set score of 15-11.

Match 11 showcased the defending champions, MH-10, reaffirming their supremacy by securing their second win in pool B against the newcomer FAC in consecutive sets with scores of 25-7 and 25-19, securing two wins on the tournament’s opening day.

In a surprising twist in Match 12, the crowd’s favourite Longsa Sporting Club faced defeat at the hands of the debutant Ozümi Volleyball Team. Ozümi Volleyball Team stunned the experienced club by winning the opening set with a score of 25-16. Longsa fought back in the second set, clinching it with a score of 25-23. However, Ozümi ultimately secured victory in the decisive set with a score of 15-13.

In the 13th match, United Changki mounted a strong comeback after their initial loss to Ozümi Volleyball Team. They defeated Rongpang Club Tzurangkong in consecutive sets with scores of 25-17 and 25-15.

The 14th and final match of the tournament saw Changtongya Volleyball Association B attain their first victory against Kumlong Ward with scores of 25-22 and 25-22.

The inaugural day of the tournament featured exceptional performances, unexpected upsets, and the emergence of new talents, captivating the audience until the 14th match, which concluded at 11:25 PM. The tournament is also being broadcast live on the YouTube channel called “Mokokchung Channel TV,” which had over 4.3k views at its peak on the first day.