The 12th edition of the Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy 2022 came to an end on Friday with MH-10, Kohima winning the Trophy against Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’ at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Mokokchung.

The tournament was organized by the Luke Sasong Sporting Association under the aegis of Mangmetong Students’ Union.

Seasoned rivals MH-10, Kohima and Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’ faced each other again in the finals. The two teams had earlier contested in the finals of the 15th Imchaba Memorial Open Volleyball Trophy in September 2022.

In the five-setter battle that lasted more than one and a half hours long, the Kohima team held tight with composure and aggression and beat their arch rivals Changtongya 25-18, 25-19, 20-25 and 25-21.

A thrilling final match between MH-10, Kohima and Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’.

The champions of the tournament MH-10 were awarded with a cash prize of Rs 70,000 along with certificates while runners up Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’ were awarded Rs 40,000 and certificates.

The two teams who had lost out at the semi-finals – Kumlong Sporting Association ‘A’ and Longkhum Students Union – were presented with a cash prize of Rs 10,000 each.

Individual awards were also presented for achievements during the tournament.

Tongpangsunep from MH-10 was awarded the Best Setter, Reshitemjen from MH-10 won the Best Spiker and Imkongsanen from Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’ was declared Man of the tournament.

Each individual prize winner received Rs 5,000 each.

During the closing ceremony, guest of honour Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly highlighted the life of the prominent personality Luke Sasong in whose memory the tournament was held. He said what Luke Sasong could achieve in his 27 years of life is a lesson one should emulate in one’s life.

The aim of our forefathers has been achieved through this sport – Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Longkumer lauded the Luke Sasong Sporting Association for organising the tournament, stating that 45 years was a great achievement.

He further expressed his benevolent gratitude to all the players who had come from different places for having reached the final match, adding that the theme of the tournament – Unity through Sports – was achieved through playing and encouraging each other.

The aim of our forefathers has been achieved through this sport and further with good intention the emphasis needs to be carried out with great determination, the speaker opined.

Longkumer ended his speech with the quote: “That the spirit of our forefathers cherish on the gestures of the living and the spirit of the living cherish on the noble deeds of our forefathers.”

After the final match, Nagaland Tribune spoke to two fans of the sport who had attended every match of the tournament – Vunglianching and Zhulika Aye.

Having followed the tournament from start to end, the two found it well organised and well attended and praised the display of sportsmanship during the matches.

They were particularly impressed by the talent of the two teams at the finals.

“The winning team, MH10, in particular is a powerhouse. Each and every spectator, including me, were awestruck at the display of their prowess and coordination. The runners-up team from Changtongya were no less too,” exclaimed Vunglianching.

Zhulika added: “The performance of the teams showed how a well-organized tournament can greatly magnify the appeal of sports and playing skills among our youth.”

According to the two fans, volleyball has great potential in Nagaland as there is no shortage of talent and the sport is popular among the youths.

“Just like football, it is inexpensive to play and easily accessible,” Zhulika said.

Expressing optimism for the future of the sport in Nagaland, Vunglianching said:

“In future, I would like to see volleyball as a major sport in our state. I would like to see our youths making successful careers out of playing this sport and also, I would like to see our Naga volleyball teams achieving medals and accolades in national and international competitions.”