The First State Open Volleyball Championship, organized by Youth Resources & Sports Department (YRS) in collaboration with Nagaland Volleyball Association (NVA), commenced on 16 November at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

Director, YRS, Akumla Chuba, NCS while declaring the Championship open, lauded the sportspersons of Nagaland for their dedication to sports despite the challenges. She said that the Department along with the State Government will do their best to develop infrastructure and quality of sports in all districts.

Chuba stressed on the importance of fitness in life and asked the youths to be exemplary ambassadors of fitness and good health.

The Director further encouraged women to take up sports because many potential professions have not been explored by Naga women. She also said that this would help in gender equality and the empowerment of young women.

A total number of 10 teams are taking part in the championship, five each from Men’s and women’s category.

The teams in the Men’s category are Kohima District Volleyball Association, MH 10 Kohima (junior), Changtonya Volleyball Association, Seven Brothers Kiruphema and MH 10 Kohima (Senior).

The women’s teams are Volleyball Lovers, Peren District Volleyball Association, Prüsachodu United, Elite Sisters Lazami and Mystic

The inaugural programme was chaired by Jacob Yanthan, President NVA.