Defending champions MH-10 Kohima emerged victorious in the 13th Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Tournament 2024, defeating Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA) with a scoreline of 25/23, 25/20, 29/27, 25/9, 15/7. The tournament, which began on August 21, concluded on August 23, at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex in Mokokchung.

Organized by the Luke Sasong Sporting Association (LSSA) under the aegis of the Mangmetong Students’ Union, the biennial tournament was held under the theme ‘Unity through Sports’. N. Jamonger AO, District Civil Supply Officer Mokokchung, graced the closing ceremony as the Guest of Honour.

In his address, Jamonger AO commended the organizers for their hard work and dedication, highlighting the vibrant sporting culture in Mokokchung Town and District. He applauded the Luke Sasong Sporting Association for their commendable efforts in promoting sports and congratulated all the athletes, stating that participating at this level makes them champions in their own right. He encouraged them to enjoy every moment of the game and to strive to be champions not only on the field but in their everyday lives as well.

In an intense and thrilling final match, MH-10 Kohima faced off against Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA), delivering a spectacle of skill and determination. The match, filled with dramatic turns, kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

The first set saw MH-10 Kohima take an early lead, securing a narrow victory with a score of 25-23. However, CVA bounced back in the second set, leveling the playing field by winning 25-20.

The third set was a nail-biter, with both teams exchanging points in a highly competitive manner. At one point, the score was tied at 22-22. MH-10 took a slim lead at 23-22, but CVA quickly responded to level it at 23-23. The battle continued as the teams matched each other point for point, with MH-10 eventually edging out CVA 29-27 in a tense finish.

CVA showed great resilience in the fourth set, dominating from the start and leading by a wide margin. They secured a convincing 25-9 victory, forcing the match into a decisive fifth set.

In the final set, MH-10 Kohima came out strong, establishing an early lead of 3-0. They maintained their momentum, steadily increasing their advantage to 14-7. With a powerful finish, MH-10 closed out the set 15-7, clinching the match and emerging as the winners of the tournament.

The Champions of the tournament MH-10 Kohima were awarded with a cash price of Rs 70,000 along with the prestigious Trophy and certificates while Runners-up Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA) received a cash price of Rs 40,000 with certificates.

The two semi-finalist teams: Ozumi Volleyball Team and Itovi Memorial Team Dimapur received a cash price of Rs 10,000 each.

In the individual categories, Pitovi (Jersey Number 8) from MH-10, Kohima, was awarded the Best Spiker, while Tongpangsunep (Jersey Number 9), also from MH-10, Kohima, received the Best Setter award. The Player of the Tournament was bagged by Imkongsanen (Jersey Number 4) from Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA). All individual players received a cash price of Rs 5,000 each along with certificates. Nukshi, the Chief Referee, was recognized for his role as the match official and linesman.

In addition to his outstanding performance in this tournament, Tongpangsunep from MH-10 Kohima was once again awarded the Best Setter, marking his 17th time receiving this accolade across various volleyball tournaments in Nagaland. He also received the Best Setter award in the previous edition of the Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Tournament in 2022. Reflecting on his achievement, Tongpangsunep expressed his deep gratitude and humility, stating that he feels privileged and proud of how the game has shaped his skills and talents. He emphasized his commitment to continue working hard and to further uplift his performance in future competitions.

Top L and R – Tongpangsunep (MH-10 Kohima) Best Setter; Bottom L – Pitovi (MH-10 Kohima) Best Spiker; Bottom R – Imkongsanen (CVA) Player of the Tournament

Earlier in the day, the first semi-final saw Ozümi Volleyball Team face off against CVA. The match was a tough battle, but CVA emerged victorious, winning by 3 sets to 0.

Set 1: CVA took the first set with a close 25-23 victory.

Set 2: The second set was also tightly contested, but CVA managed to edge out Ozümi with a 26-24 win.

Set 3: The third set saw CVA dominate, winning 25-12 and securing their place in the final.

The second semi-final featured M.H.10, Kohima against Itovi Memorial Team Dimapur. M.H.10, Kohima secured their spot in the final with a hard-fought victory, winning 3 sets to 1.

Set 1: M.H.10, Kohima started strong, taking the first set 25-20.

Set 2: Itovi Memorial Team Dimapur fought back, winning the second set 25-20 to level the match.

Set 3: M.H.10, Kohima regained the lead, winning the third set 25-18.

Set 4: In a decisive fourth set, M.H.10, Kohima closed the match with a 27-17 victory.

Seasoned rivals MH-10 Kohima and Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA) faced each other once again in the finals. These two teams have a history of intense competition, having previously contested in the finals of several prestigious tournaments. In October 2022, MH-10 Kohima lifted the trophy in the 12th Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy, and in September 2022, they again emerged victorious over CVA in the finals of the 15th Imchaba Memorial Open Volleyball Trophy. However, earlier in January 2022, CVA claimed the championship title in the 4th Nokdenlemba Open Volleyball Trophy by defeating MH-10 Kohima.

In another high-stakes match, MH-10 Kohima (Senior) and Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’ (CVA) competed for the championship title at the 1st Imonungba Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy in November 2022, where CVA ‘A’ emerged as the winner. These two teams have consistently met in the finals of various volleyball tournaments, where both have experienced victories and losses against each other, solidifying their status as the top teams in the state.

Despite their fierce rivalry, neither team could secure the championship in the 16th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy in September 2023, as a new entrant, Ozümi Volleyball Team, claimed the title. However, in this 13th Luke Sasong tournament, Ozümi Volleyball Team was eliminated in the semi-finals by CVA, failing to reach the finals.

With the 17th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2024 scheduled to begin on September 17th, all eyes are on these two formidable teams as they prepare to renew their rivalry on the court.

Read more: 13th Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Tournament 2024 kicks off in Mokokchung