Savage Setters Volleyball Club, Chungtia, lifted the 19th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2026 after overcoming two-time champions MH-10 Kohima in a five-set final at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on Thursday.
The closing programme was graced by Metsubo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Government of Nagaland, as Chief Patron.
In a closely fought championship decider, MH-10 Kohima took the opening two sets 25-18 and 25-12 before Savage Setters mounted a comeback, winning the next three sets 25-22, 25-22 and 15-12 to secure the prestigious title in their maiden appearance at the Imchaba Master Memorial tournament.
The four-day championship, organised by the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA), brought together some of the prominent volleyball teams from across Nagaland. The final produced a significant turnaround as Savage Setters, a club formed only this year, recovered from a two-set deficit to deny the experienced MH-10 side the championship.
The victory also marked another major step in the rapid emergence of Savage Setters Volleyball Club, Chungtia. The newly formed side had made its first tournament appearance at the 14th Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy from September 16 to 18, where it reached the final before losing to Changtongya Volleyball Association in the deciding fifth set.
Within days, Savage Setters returned to the court and went deep into another major state-level tournament. At the Imchaba Master Memorial Trophy, the Chungtia side defeated Yangs Brother in the quarterfinal before overcoming Unicorns Tuensang in straight sets in the semifinal to earn its place in the title clash against MH-10.
The campaign also saw Savage Setters come up against two established teams in recent Nagaland volleyball competitions-Changtongya Volleyball Association and MH-10 Kohima. The squad combines players with experience from established teams with younger and emerging players, giving the newly formed club a blend of experience and new talent.
MH-10 seize early control
The final began with MH-10 establishing control. The Kohima side won the opening set 25-18 before extending its advantage in the second set, which it took 25-12.
Facing a two-set deficit, Savage Setters changed the momentum in the third set. The teams remained closely matched through much of the set, exchanging the lead repeatedly before Savage Setters pulled ahead towards the closing stages.
From 19-19, the Chungtia side moved to 20-20 and then 21-21 before taking a 23-21 advantage. MH-10 reduced the gap to 23-22, but Savage Setters closed out the set 25-22.
The fourth set again remained competitive, although Savage Setters gradually established an advantage. Leading 7-9 and later 10-15, the Chungtia side maintained its composure as MH-10 attempted to close the gap.
MH-10 came within two points at 20-22, but Savage Setters reached set point at 24-21 and eventually sealed the fourth set 25-22, forcing a deciding fifth set.
The deciding set was tightly contested from the opening exchanges. MH-10 started with a 1-0 lead, but Savage Setters quickly responded and the two teams remained separated by only one or two points through most of the set.
At 10-10, the Chungtia side moved ahead 11-10 and later 12-11. MH-10 levelled at 12-12, but Savage Setters secured the next three points to close out the deciding set 15-12 and complete the comeback.
Road to Final
In the quarterfinals, Pangti Volleyball Team faced Unicorns Tuensang, while Changtongya Volleyball Association took on Bokato Memorial Team. Savage Setters Volleyball Club, Chungtia, met Yangs Brother, and MH-10 Kohima faced defending champions Evergreen Club Ungma.
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In the first semifinal, Savage Setters defeated Unicorns Tuensang in straight sets, winning 25-13, 25-20 and 25-19.
The second semifinal saw another closely contested encounter between Changtongya Volleyball Association and MH-10 Kohima. MH-10 secured its place in the final after winning in straight sets, 25-23, 25-21 and 26-24.
The championship therefore brought together Savage Setters, the tournament’s emerging side, and MH-10, one of the established names in Nagaland volleyball.
Speaking at the closing programme, Metsübo Jamir said the tournament should be remembered not merely as a sporting event but as an occasion to honour the legacy of Master Imchaba, whom he described as a pioneer in education and sports during a period of major social transition in Nagaland.
Jamir highlighted Imchaba’s early contribution to volleyball and badminton, noting that he was among the earliest Naga players of the games when they were introduced in the then Naga Hills by American missionaries. Beyond playing the games, he encouraged and promoted sports among his students, with Dr. Talimeren Ao, the first Naga Olympian and first captain of independent India’s football team, being among those he taught and encouraged.
Tracing Imchaba’s wider contribution, Jamir recalled that he was asked to teach at Impur Mission Training School in 1914–15 even while he was still a student, owing to the shortage of qualified teachers. He later contributed to the development of the school and its infrastructure, taught the Old Testament to the Ao people before an Ao version of the Bible was available, and travelled beyond the Ao areas to preach the gospel. His wisdom and leadership, Jamir said, were also sought by colleagues and village leaders.
Jamir said Imchaba’s life represented a transition from an older era to a new one, describing him as the son of the last head hunter who became a teacher of a new era. He urged the younger generation to draw inspiration from Imchaba’s ability to overcome challenges and create opportunities despite limited resources.
“ You also can convert challenges into opportunities,” Jamir told the youth, urging them to carry forward the values of discipline, sportsmanship and unity. He said that while the trophy would ultimately go to one team, the larger achievement of such a tournament lies in youth development, sportsmanship and bringing communities together.
Jamir also congratulated all participating teams and appreciated the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association for sustaining the memorial tournament since 1995 under the motto “Endure All to Gain All”. He also acknowledged the Imchaba family for continuing to sustain the memorial trophy over the years.
The tournament was supported by Match Patrons A. Limawati Jamir, CDPO Mangkolemba; Er. Sademkaba Ozukum, Executive Engineer, Water Resources, Mokokchung; and Bendangsunup Walling, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture, Nagaland.
The closing programme was chaired by Dr. Obendangla. Invocation was pronounced by Wati Pongen, Associate Pastor, MBA, while Tongrilila Sangtam presented a special song. The vote of thanks was proposed by Imtipokyim, President, MDVA, followed by the championship final and prize distribution ceremony.
The MDVA expressed appreciation to all participating teams, match officials, patrons and volleyball supporters for their contribution towards the successful conduct of the 19th edition of the Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy.
Savage Setters Volleyball Club, Chungtia walked away with the championship trophy and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, while MH-10 Kohima, the runners-up, received ₹70,000. The third-place team received ₹30,000, while the fourth-place team was awarded ₹20,000. In the individual categories, Wonglem (9) of SSVCC was named Best Spiker, while Limatenzuk (11) of SSVCC was adjudged Best Setter. Obika (1) of MH-10 Kohima was named Player of the Tournament, while Sentiyanger (3), also of MH-10 Kohima, was adjudged Emerging Player of the Tournament. Each of the four individual award winners received ₹5,000. In addition, each of the 14 participating teams received a participation grant of ₹5,000, while ₹5,000 was awarded to each individual player.
