The 16th edition of the Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2023 concluded on Friday, with Ozümi Volleyball Team from Mokokchung emerging as the victors.
The closing ceremony, organized by the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA), took place at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Mokokchung. This highly competitive tournament featured 19 teams from various districts of Nagaland.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
In his address, Thsuvise Phoji, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung and Chief Patron, congratulated all the teams that came from different districts to participate in the tournament, showcasing their true sportsmanship and discipline. He expressed his hope and prayers that more teams would join in the future.
Addressing the two finalists, he encouraged them to vie for the trophy, demonstrating their dedication and providing the audience, well-wishers, and supporters with the best of matches. He urged both teams and players to serve as ambassadors of peace and friendship, promoting unity and understanding through sports.
The finals witnessed a suspenseful thrilling five-set match between the defending champions, MH-10 from Kohima, and the newcomer Ozümi Volleyball Team from Mokokchung. In the end, it was the Ozümi Volleyball Team who claimed victory in the 16th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2023, with a final score of 26-24, 14-25, 22-25, 30-28, and 15-13.
Ozümi Volleyball Team secured the championship title along with a cash prize of Rs. 80,000/- and certificates. The 1st Runner-up, MH-10 from Kohima, received Rs. 50,000/-, the 2nd Runner-up, Chienino Brothers Kiruphema from Kohima, was awarded Rs. 30,000/-, and the 3rd Runner-up, Peren District Volleyball Association, received Rs. 20,000/-.
Individual awards were also presented, with Reshitemjen of MH-10 named Player of the Tournament, Imnaakum of Ozümi Volleyball Team honored as the Best Setter, and Wanglem of Ozümi Volleyball Team recognized as the Best Spiker.
Imojungla, the Sponsor of the Ozümi Volleyball Team, expressed her immense joy at their victory, stating that this marks a significant step forward for the team as they strive for greater success in the future. She revealed that her motivation for sponsoring the team was her personal journey to being cancer-free. Earlier this year, she had formed the team but was unable to be actively involved due to her diagnosis of stage 1 cancer. She attributed their success to divine intervention, noting that it’s all part of God’s plan.
As a teacher herself, Imojungla emphasized the importance of sports as a means of character development. She was inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm of her players and decided to support the team. In her message to parents, she stressed the value of sports and encouraged them to support their children’s athletic pursuits.
Imojungla acknowledged that teamwork played an important role in their victory. “Despite limited practice, the team’s unity and cohesion were instrumental in securing the prestigious trophy”, Imojungla expressed.
In an earlier match, Chienino Brothers Kiruphema Kohima defeated Peren District Volleyball Association in straight sets with scores of 20-25, 20-25, securing the 2nd Runner-up position.
In the semifinals, Ozümi Volleyball Team, in their tournament debut, secured a place in the finals after a captivating battle against Chienino Brothers Kiruphema. Ozümi won the first two sets with scores of 22-25 and 24-26. Despite a spirited comeback by Chienino, Ozümi emerged victorious with a 25-18 score in the fourth set, earning them a spot in the finals.
Defending champions MH-10 defeated the Peren District Volleyball Association in straight sets with scores of 25-19, 25-17, and 25-23 in the second Semi Final to secure their position in the finals.
