Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 9 (EMN): Kiruphema Youth Organisation (KYO) defeated St. Joseph’s College (SJC) Jakhama in the opening league match of the Kohima Open Volleyball Tournament 2022 (men and women) at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS) Kohima on Wednesday.
KYO beat SJC in direct sets 25-21, 25-14, 25-21. Meanwhile, Kezo town beat Vision Quest Club, VK Town 29-27 25-20 25-19.
In the women’s category, defending champions Mystic Club, Kohima lost to Senapati, Manipur in direct sets 25-12, 25-7, 25-17.
A total of 15 teams (10 men and 5 women teams) are competing for the coveted title.
Two women teams from Senapati, Manipur and Jorhat, Assam are taking part in the tournament, while another team from Jorhat Assam is also part of the me n's team for the championship.
Chairman of Nagaland Khadi and Village Industries Board (NKVIB), Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu attended the occasion as the special guest in the inaugural session. In his address, he maintained that sports have become ‘very technical’ and advised to choose one sporting discipline for sportspersons in order to excel in their career.
While pointing out that sports have become very competitive, Keditsu said discipline and dedication are of utmost importance for sportspersons and called upon them to have long term goals and not be ‘part time’ sportspersons.
He advised them to use the technology available to lead the way in sports and expressed optimism that they will not only bring laurels to the state but also the country.
He congratulated the organising committee for continuing the championship and said it was a wonderful platform for the players to make the best use of the event showcasing their talent in the right platform.
Further, he appreciated the neighbouring states for taking part in the championship and added that the Northeast is slowly becoming a sporting hub in the country.
Earlier, president of Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA) Visasielie Suohu delivered the welcome address, KDVA technical committee member, Visapa Yongo, administered the oath to the participating teams.
In the championship, men's volleyball is played on league-cum-knockout basis, while women's volleyball is played using round robin league.