MOKOKCHUNG — The much awaited 16th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2023, organised by the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA), got underway at Multipurpose Sports Complex in Mokokchung town on Tuesday.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Colonel Rahul Gurung, commandant of 12th Assam Rifles, Mokokchung, was the inaugural patron at the event. Speaking at the inaugural programme, Gurung has sought the importance of parent’s support of their children in games and sports.
He asserted that it is not the player’s participation alone but the parents and family’s support that motivate players to perform to the best of their abilities and also propel them to higher level excellence.
He also lauded Late Imchaba’s family and MDVA for instituting such a grant trophy to motivate the young talents in the state in order to exhibit their capabilities.
Lakhi Longkumer, convener of the organising committee said, “Mokokchung is the heartbeat of volleyball and appealed to the people to keep this heartbeat alive and strengthen the love for their game.”
The 16th edition would feature 19 teams vying for the coveted trophy. The newcomers to the tournament included Chienino Brothers from Kiruphema, Archippus Club from Dimapur, United Changki, G-Sports from Mokokchung, Ozümi Volleyball Team from Mongsenbai, and Rongpang Club from Tsürangkong.
After the kicked off of the tourney, the first match of the tournament witnessed Chienino Brothers from Kiruphema, Kohima complete dominance against Spartan Club from Lakhuni. They defeated Spartan Club by 25-16, 25-22.