Our Correspondent
Changtongya, Nov. 8 (EMN): The first edition of Imonungba Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy, organised by the Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA) and powered by Lenjeter, a monthly Ao magazine, got underway on Tuesday at public ground, Changtongya Town.
Advisor, Industries & Commerce and Labour & Employment, Imnatiba Jamir, the chief guest of the inaugural function, recalled the time when Changtongya town was very popular for games and sports and music.
Jamir also said it was a time when the town was infested with too many underground factions.
However, things changed after chief minister Neiphiu Rio came to power in 2003. He said the present government is trying its best to promote sports by constructing astro turfs in many of the districts and encouraging the young people to participate in national level tournaments.
He also spoke on how volleyball as a sport is very popular, particularly in Changtongya, and how the game is helping to bring people together and uniting them in one spirit.
Technical general secretary, Nagaland Volleyball Association (NVA), Yanbemo Humtsoe, thanked the CVA for inviting NVA and said that not many associations invite the NVA when tournaments are held in various parts of Nagaland.
He said that next to football, volleyball is perhaps the second most loved and played game in Nagaland, especially in the Ao region.
Earlier, short speeches were delivered by Tiasunep Lkr, chairman of Changtongya Village Council, and a member of Late. Imonungba’s family, while CVA president Imkongsanen, delivered the welcome address.
The volleyball tournament is being organised by the CVA in memory of late Imonungba Jamir, an ace volleyball player from Changtongya.
A total of 11 teams are taking part in this year’s edition being played league-cum-knockout format.