The 3rd All Nagaland Dr Imkongliba Ao Memorial Open Volleyball Trophy, organised by Japukong Youth Organization (JYO) commenced with a total of eight teams on 23 November at State Stadium, Dimapur. Temjen Imna Along, Minister, Higher Education and Tribal Affairs was the Chief Host on the inaugural day.

Speaking on the occasion, Temjen Imna Along said we have not forgotten our history, our past and our leaders who have stood for our people.

“Today, younger lot of the Nagas and the citizens of Nagaland aspire, dream and endeavour to be with the rest of the world in advancement, development and also in our aspirations,” Along stated.

“Dreams are not so difficult that you cannot lift them if you try hard enough and be committed and resolute in it,” he added.

He remarked on the contributions of the eminent pioneer Dr Imkongliba Ao in the creation of state which today is the home of 17 Naga tribes and also home for many non-Nagas who have chosen to live in the state.

Temjen Imna Along, Minister, Higher Education and Tribal Affairs.

He also pointed out that the state will be commemorating the 60th anniversary as the 16th state of India and encouraged the gathering to uphold one another, uplift and to reach out to each other thus building the state.

He lamented and declared that the word ‘unity’ is misused more than anything else by just writing it on t-shirts and on social media. Unity is not a fashion but a commitment to live, he said and urged the people to live in unity beyond all the “narrow domestic wild” that wants to break the Nagas.

He pointed out that tribalism has driven the state crazy and decisive walls of nepotism, hypocrisy and tribalism have cropped up in the hearts of the people. Along stressed that people should stop speaking of the narrow geographical lengths of tribalism and accept Nagas as one people.

“Our tribe is our heritage and we are proud of it but yet we should choose to live together,” he stated.

He urged the literates not to remain silent but to raise their voices, hearts and prayers for the unity of the land and for the people to live as one.

“Let this message go through this platform of the third Dr Imkongliba Ao Memorial trophy,” he declared.

He also encouraged the players to keep the spirit and not be disheartened even if they fail but to come back stronger because it is destiny that some lose and some fail but it does not end there.

Earlier, the invocation was pronounced by Imnatoshi Longkumer, president of Nagaland Baptist Pastors’ Union (NBPU), while the welcome address was delivered by Limayanger Imchen, President of JYO. Short speeches were delivered by Atomi Swu, vice president of Western Sumi Hoho and Moayanger Jamir, president of Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU).

The champion of the tournament will be receiving a cash prize of Rs 1,50,000 and the 1st and 2nd runners-up Rs 80,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively. Individual players – Best Setter, Player of the Tournament and Best Spiker – will also be awarded with a cash prize of Rs 10,000 each.