Kumlong Ward emerged as the champions of the 4th Mokokchung Town Inter-Ward Volleyball Tournament 2025, defeating Mongsenbai Ward in a nail-biting five-set encounter at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on the night of October 9.

Dr L Imlinichet Imchen, Convenor of the Organizing Committee, announced that the Inter-Ward Volleyball Tournament would henceforth be held every alternate year, with the 5th edition scheduled for 2027.

The tournament, organized by the Kumlong Sporting Association under the aegis of the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA), was held under the theme “Forging Champions.”

Gracing the closing ceremony as Guest of Honour, Er Chutsusie Thowachu, Executive Engineer of the Electrical Division, Mokokchung, commended the organizing committee and all participating wards for promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and unity through volleyball.

He said that the tournament is more than a competition but a celebration of energy, talent, and community spirit, and lauded the relentless effort and dedication of the players. Highlighting the essence of the theme, he remarked that “champions are not born, they are made—they are forged through hard training, discipline, and resilience in the face of challenges.”

He further encouraged the players to remember that “respect for the game and for your opponents makes you a champion in the truest sense.”

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The final match between Kumlong Ward and Mongsenbai Ward saw contest of grit, teamwork, and determination. Kumlong took an early lead by winning the first set 25–20, but Mongsenbai bounced back to claim the second set 25–19. Kumlong regained control in the third set with another 25–20 victory.

The fourth set saw an intense back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading points in a breathtaking rally that stretched the set to 48 total points. Despite Kumlong’s defense, Mongsenbai clawed their way back to level the game, winning the set 25–23.

In the decisive fifth set, Kumlong displayed remarkable composure and tactical precision. After leading at the side change 8–3, they maintained their rhythm despite Mongsenbai’s late resurgence, ultimately sealing the set 16–15, and with it, the championship title.

The champions, Kumlong Ward, received a cash prize of ₹50,000 along with a running trophy and citations, while the runners-up, Mongsenbai Ward, were awarded ₹30,000, a running trophy, and citations. Individual awards carrying cash prizes of ₹3,000 each with citations were presented to Aongsen (Jersey No. 3, Kumlong) as Best Setter, Imtirenba (Jersey No. 6, Kumlong) as Best Spiker, and Bendangmeren (Jersey No. 8, Mongsenbai) as Player of the Tournament.

Delivering the concluding remarks, Dr L Imlinichet Imchen, Convenor of the Organizing Committee, expressed gratitude to the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA) for its support and announced that the Inter-Ward Volleyball Tournament will henceforth be held every alternate year, with the 5th edition scheduled for 2027.