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Champions Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’ with MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu and AKM officials after the closing function of the 3rd Padmashree W Nokdenlemba Open Volleyball Trophy at the Multi-Sports Complex, in Mokokchung on Oct. 19. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, Oct. 19 (EMN): Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’ notched the 3rd Padmashree W Nokdenlemba Open Volleyball Trophy 2018 after defeating Longsa Sporting Club Mokokchung in an equally contested final match at the Multi-Sports Complex, in Mokokchung, on Oct. 19.
Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’ beat Longsa Sporting Club Mokokchung 25-21; 19-25; 22-25; 25-10; 15-12.
In an equally contested match, Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’ won the first set but the next two sets went in favour of Longsa Sporting Club and were on verge of clinching the title.
Nonetheless, Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’ came back in the fourth set to process to the last set. Both the team played competitively but Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’ managed to outgun their opponent to lift the coveted title.
Champions Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’ walked away with a cash prize of INR 100000 plus trophy and certificates while the runners-up Longsa Sporting Club Mokokchung received a cash prize of INR 60000 along with certificates.
The two semi-finalists; Sporting Club Lakhuni and Waromong Sports Association Jangjanglong Club also received INR 20000 each. The individual prizes also went to Bendangtemsu of Changtongya Volleyball Association ‘A’ for best spiker, Toshiena for best setter and Imkongsanen for most promising player.
The closing function was attended by Kuzholuzo Nienu, MLA, as the chief patron. In his speech, he said that the theme of the tournament, “One team one spirit,” was befitting in the Naga political context at this moment. He simplified that the theme means unity.
He opined that through unity we came to know each other and today we have promoted ourselves and up to the level what we are today. He also asserted Ao tribe is considered one of the most respected advanced tribe because of Christianity.
Nienu also asserted that that present Naga society is very saddening but expressed hope that through Christianity we can promote and strengthen brotherhood and create unity among the Naga.
The MLA also wondered why we cannot take volleyball to the national and international level and the gathering to promote volleyball in the national level. “We must produce more Dr T Ao and bring laurels to the state,” he said.
He expressed sadness over the delayed to bring out a sports policy. Nevertheless, the MLA asserted that sports policy should not bring out in the context of sports alone but it should include all the disciplines to promote young sportsmanship.
He also requested the AKM to rise up above tribalism and to be the torchbearer of the Nagas and create unity among the Naga family through these sports and take it to the state level. “My central idea is we should create unity among the Nagas through these sports,” Nienu said.
