G Rio Memorial Volleyball Trophy organized by the Kohima District Volleyball Association officially began on November 17 at Kohima Local Ground (Khuochiezie).
The 12th Kohima Open tournament (Men & Women) would conclude on November 20.
The Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA) has officially announced that the long-standing Kohima Open Volleyball Tournament would now be known as the G Rio Memorial Trophy, beginning this year (2025). The change marks the revival of the once-popular G Rio Volleyball Memorial Trophy, which was discontinued several years ago.
In his address, MLA and Advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Retd.), expressed gratitude to those who have sustained and elevated the tournament over the years, while paying tribute to his late father, Guolhoulie (G) Rio.
In his remarks, Zhaleo specially acknowledged the Northern Angami Students’ Union (NASU), under whose stewardship the G. Rio Memorial Trophy was first introduced.
“Initially our family was not involved,” he said, noting that it was through the efforts of several nephews and NASU’s leadership that the tournament began to flourish. He added that although he had observed the event from a distance, he had watched it grow “from strength to strength.”
Zhaleo thanked NASU for nurturing the tournament and appreciated its smooth transition to the Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA), which now organizes it annually.
“I am here today to pay tribute to my late father, G Rio, and to acknowledge the good deeds carried forward by various agencies over the years,” he stated.
Zhaleo recalled discussions within the family when KDVA proposed continuing the G Rio Memorial Trophy. “We did not take long to decide. Anyone can sponsor a tournament once, but if we were to continue with the G Rio Memorial Trophy, we felt strongly about raising the standard of the event and ensuring sustainability.”
He mentioned that the family agreed to support the tournament on the understanding that both sides would work toward elevating the level of competition. The late G Rio’s family has since continued to sponsor the trophy and cash awards, he noted.
He commended KDVA for shouldering its responsibility in promoting sports. “We see more participants every year, and the level of the game is improving,” he said. The tournament, he noted, now serves as a platform through which future sportspersons may emerge not only at the state level but beyond.
Emphasizing the changing landscape of sports, Zhaleo reminded athletes that “sports is no longer just a hobby or only for physical fitness it has become a profession.”
He encouraged young Nagas to be disciplined and hardworking: “In today’s competitive world, there is no substitute for hard work. A small state like Nagaland can also contribute to national development through sports and tourism.”
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Remembering Guolhoulie Rio
In an emotional reflection, Zhaleo shared a brief biography of his late father, Guolhoulie Rio, whose legacy the tournament honors.
He described his father as a man of humility and service. Born in Touphema Basa, G Rio joined the Naga Regiment under the British Government at a young age. After receiving his discharge, he returned to his village to spend time with his family and later served as a Pastor at the Touphema Baptist Church.
During periods of conflict between India and the Nagas, the village urged him to join the Naga Home Guards, where he continued serving the community. He later worked as a contractor and offered significant leadership in village affairs, serving as Village Council Chairman for 21 years. During his time, he facilitated key developments and established friendship treaties with neighboring villages.
As an ex-serviceman, he also contributed to strengthening welfare initiatives for ex-servicemen, particularly within the Northern Angami region.
Zhaleo remembered his father as someone who “worked for the poor and needy,” shaped by the fact that he himself was an orphan. “He would always tell us to love orphans,” he recalled. “His life was simple, humble, and God-fearing. Our family believes the blessings we enjoy today are because of the good deeds of our parents.”
Visasielie Suhu, President KDVA in his presidential address said that the original G Rio Memorial Trophy was previously held annually under the aegis of the Northern Angami Students’ Union. Recognizing the legacy and significance of the event, the KDVA expressed interest in taking over the tournament and reached out to the family of the late G Rio. The family welcomed the proposal, generously agreeing to sponsor the cash prizes and donate trophies for the event for which the KDVA expressed deep gratitude.
KDVA clarified that the newly named G Rio Memorial Trophy remains the same tournament as the Kohima Open Volleyball Tournament, with nomenclature being the only change. The tournament will continue to be held every year for both men and women, now as a running annual event under the KDVA.
Suhu said that in Nagaland, several open volleyball tournaments take place, but KDVA’s event stands out as the only tournament that features both men’s and women’s categories.
He also noted that this year marks the 12th edition of the tournament, now proudly carrying the G Rio Memorial title. He also informed that a total of 25 teams are participating, including 13 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams, with players coming not only from Nagaland but also from Assam and Manipur. Notably, this edition has seen the highest number of women participants compared to previous years. KDVA also announced that the cash prize for the women’s category will be reviewed and enhanced from next year.
Earlier, during the inaugural event, Vizosienuo Shüya & Ketholezo Keyho were the comperes, Visatuo Yhoshü Pastor UBC led the invocation. Brooke Shitiri presented a special song . Oath Taking was done by Vizobeilie Punyü, Technical Committee Convenor.
In Men’s category the champions will receive Rs. 1,50,000, Runners up will receive Rs. 80,000 and Semi Finalist will receive Rs. 25,000 each .
In women’s category the champions will receive Rs. 80,000 thousand, Runners up will receive Rs. 50,000 thousand and Semi Finalist will receive Rs. 15,000 each.
Individual prize (Men & Women), Best Spiker will receive Rs. 5000 each, Best setter will receive Rs. 5000 each.
