The 15th edition of the Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2022 came to an end on Friday with MH-10, Kohima, emerging as the winners.
Organised by the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA), the tournament featured 18 teams from different districts of Nagaland.
The closing ceremony was held at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, Mokokchung, and attended by Tongpang Ozukum, Minister of PWD (Housing and Mechanical) and I Imkong, son of Late Imchaba in whose memory the trophy has been organised.
Ozukum in his address stated that volleyball – unlike cricket, football and kabaddi – is not a popular sport in India with only a few exceptions of states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. He pointed out that volleyball has gained momentum in India through the Pro Volleyball League that began in 2019.
Ozukum further said with the advent of Khelo India, emphasis has been placed on all sports including volleyball and he believes that this sport will be encouraged in the whole nation.
The minister also complimented Late Imchaba’s family for their efforts in promoting the sport. He stated that the Mokokchung District Sports Council should be reinforced in order to resurrect Mokokchung’s lost grandeur via sport by reorganizing and enhancing the district’s sports scene.
I Imkong, son of Late Imchaba, gave a brief exhortation in which he appealed to the younger generation to excel in every aspect of sporting activities. Stressing that one cannot shine without effort, he encouraged the young generations of Nagas to rise up and be practicable in all aspects of profession.
The president of MDVA gave a vote of thanks during the ceremony.
Earlier in the day, the spectators got to witness a heart-warming match between Tuensang District Volleyball Association and MH-10, Kohima during the semi-finals. Eventually, MH-10 won (20-25, 21-25, 17-25) over the Tuensang team.
The other match of the semi-finals was played between Changtongya Volleyball Association and Vision Club Tuensang, with the Changtongya team beating the latter (22-25,15-25, 13-25).
The finals saw an intense match of four sets between the defending champions Changtongya Volleyball Association and MH-10, Kohima. In the end, it was MH-10 who lifted the 15th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2022 with the score board showing 22-25, 22-25, 25-23, 16-25.
This was the first Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy for the new champions, making a significant mark in the team’s history. MH-10, Kohima first begun their journey as a team in 2018.
Speaking to Nagaland Tribune, Alongti Ao, manager of MH-10, expressed his immense joy on the victory, stating this would be a step forward for the team to reach for greater heights and success in the future.
The other winners of the tournament are:
- Player of the Tournament – Imliakum, Changtongya Volleyball Association
- Best Setter – Limatenzuk, Yimyu
- Best Spiker – Imkongtenzuk, MH-10, Kohima
