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KOHIMA — The 10th Kohima District Open Volleyball Tournament 2023 (men and women) commenced at Indira Gandhi Stadium in the state capital on Tuesday with Advisor of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS), S Keoshu Yimkhiung, as the chief guest.
In the men's inaugural match, Kiruphema Youth Organization defeated Shurho Mountain Club in a straight set, while Senapati Sporting Club defeated Phek District Volleyball Association in a straight set in women’s inaugural match.
A total of ten matches were conducted during the day. Eight men's teams and six women's teams are participating in the three-day tournament which will conclude November 30. It is held under the aegis of YRS department in collaboration with the Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA).
Earlier in the programme, advisor of YRS lauded the players and organizers for their resilience and commitment towards a brighter future in sports despite the challenges posed by inadequate sports infrastructure and limited resources in the state.
Congratulating the organizers for providing a platform to the youth to showcase their talents and nurturing state-level volleyball players through such open tournaments, he expressed hope that national and international players will emerge from such events.
Underscoring the importance of cultivating the right attitude, showing respect to opponents, willingness to learn, and exercising self-control, he said sportsmanship goes beyond "just being nice to others”.
He stressed the significance of adopting the principles of fair play and to be gracious in both victory and defeat. "Doesn't matter if you lose or win, since it is a part of the game, but your efforts in this game will make each of you a winner in life," he said while encouraging the players to give their best
Visasielie Suohu, president of KDVA, shared that the champions will be awarded a cash prize of INR 80,000 while the runners-up will receive INR 50,000 for both men and women. He added that the semi-finalists in both the categories will receive INR 15,000 each, while the Best Spiker and Best Setter (both men and women) will be awarded with INR 5000 each.
Megolhou Dolie, Addl. Director, YRS, delivered the welcome address and Rikha, secretary of the organizing committee, administered the oath to the teams.