The Nagaland Pickleball Association secures 11 medals, including 8 gold, at the Kolkata Open 2026 ranking tournament.
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DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA) secured 11 medals, including eight gold and three silver, at the Kolkata Open 2026, eastern India’s first PWR400 ranking tournament, held from April 30 to May 3.
The medal-winning contingent was welcomed by association officials and well-wishers upon their arrival at the Dimapur Airport on Monday.
The tournament witnessed participation from 310 players representing various states across India, with competitions held in 30 categories and a total of 1,021 matches played over four days. Team Nagaland delivered performances across multiple categories, with Vilasier Khate emerging as the Player of the Tournament, while Sonia Sarkar was adjudged Emerging Player.
Among the gold medal winners, Kabinlo Kent and Imsuren Longchar secured top honours in the Advanced Men’s Doubles category, while Vilasier Khate clinched gold in both Advanced Men’s Singles and Intermediate Men’s Singles.
In the Intermediate Mixed Doubles category, Megotsolie Khate and Elona Ayemi bagged gold, while Sonia Sarkar won the Intermediate Women’s Singles title.
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Other gold medals came from David Murry and Kabinlo Kent in Beginner Men’s Doubles, David Murry and Lentina Longkumer in Beginner Mixed Doubles, and Elona Ayemi and Lentina Longkumer in Beginner Women’s Doubles.
Silver medals were secured by Alemyim and Lizavi in Beginner Women’s Doubles, David Murry and Tonoto Ayemi in Intermediate Men’s Doubles, and Vilasier Khate in the 30+ Men’s Singles category.
While interacting with media persons, NPA President Nathan Kaurinta Zeliang described the achievement as a proud and historic moment for Nagaland. He noted that the success was particularly significant given that pickleball was introduced in the state only a year ago.
In such a short span of time, their players have been able to compete on par with national-level athletes. Zeliang informed that a total of 22 players from Nagaland participated in the tournament and added that, while the association is yet to formally begin its registration process, it already has around 100 players.
He termed the achievement a stepping stone that would inspire more players at both grassroots and amateur levels.
Advisor of the NPA, Kuchi R Zeliang, said that participating in the tournament provided valuable exposure, particularly in understanding the higher standards of gameplay outside the state. He admitted that the team faced tough competition but gained significant experience, noting that they learned a lot, and this experience will be shared with others back home.
He further expressed surprise at the medal tally, stating that it reflected the inherent sporting talent of Nagas. Highlighting the rapid growth of the sport, he noted that pickleball has seen a surge in popularity in Dimapur and Kohima, with over 20 courts already established in Dimapur alone.
On financial support, he said that the association did not approach the government for this tournament as it was arranged on short notice. However, he acknowledged that the association sponsored key players Kabinlo Kent, Imsuren Longchar, and Vilasier Khate, while Advisor Abu Metha supported logistics, including accommodation and transportation in Kolkata.
He added that the association would seek greater support in the future to enable larger participation. Encouraging aspiring players, gold medallist Imsuren Longchar advised beginners to focus on fundamentals, seek coaching, and observe experienced players.
Meanwhile, Vilasier Khate expressed surprise at both the team’s performance and his individual recognition, noting that it was their first tournament, and they did not expect such results.