The 19th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy begins in Mokokchung with 14 teams participating.
MOKOKCHUNG — The Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2026 was formally declared open at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Mokokchung on Tuesday.
Organised by the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association, the inaugural programme was attended by Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Imkongchuba A as the guest of honour.
The MMC Chairperson recalled that Imchaba is remembered for his honesty, sincerity, and strict discipline, having served through education, faith, sports, and social life. He added that the trophy itself reflects that principle, having grown from a small district-level initiative into an established state-level tournament.
He urged the organisers to elevate the trophy to a larger aspiration by transforming it into a Northeast open tournament.
The inaugural programme also featured the handing over of the championship trophy by defending champion Evergreen Club, Ungma.
The 19th edition of the tournament features 14 teams, with six teams representing Mokokchung and eight teams from the Tuensang, Wokha, Zunheboto, and Kohima districts.
In the opening match of the tournament, the Pangti Volleyball Team began its campaign with a straight-set victory over the Longsa Sports Association. The Pangti Volleyball Team defeated Longsa Sports Association 2-0, winning both sets 27-25 and 25-17.
A total of nine day-and-night matches were played on day one of the tournament. The tournament will conclude on September 25.