Open pickleball tournament held in Kohima

DIMAPUR — A pickleball tournament – the Kohima Open Tournament 2025 – powered by Picko Padel, was held on August 16 and 17 at Akim Arena, Kohima, with 25 teams participating, including 18 men’s doubles and 7 mixed doubles teams.

According to an update, day 1 witnessed the group stages and quarterfinals of the men’s doubles, while day 2 featured the complete mixed doubles competition, along with the men’s doubles semifinals and the grand finals.

In the men’s doubles grand final, Vilasier Khate and Vikhozolie Khate faced off against Zhaputso Khate and Kepevilie Khate. The match ended with Vilasier and Vikhozolie securing victory by 15-12 and 15-6, making it Vilasier Khate’s second title win in this category.

In the mixed doubles grand final, Imtinok Pongener and Eyeni Yanthan defeated Jubal Pienyu and Lentina Longkumer by 4-15, 15-2, and 15-7. Notably, Eyeni Yanthan, who had been the first runner-up of the inaugural Nagaland Pickleball Open, made a strong comeback this year to claim the championship title alongside her partner.

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The prize money awarded was INR 25,000 for the men’s doubles winners, INR 10,000 for the runners-up, and INR 15,000 for the mixed doubles winners. In addition, Abu Mehta, who is also Advisor to the Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA), attended the occasion as the special guest, announcing an extra INR 10,000 each for the winners and INR 5,000 each for the runners-up.

The event was also attended by dignitaries, including Theja Meru, advisor, Task Force for Music and Arts; Obed Quinker, chairman, Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission; Kuputo Shohe, chairman, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority; Prasielie Pienyü, chairman, NHHC; Watizulu Jamir, chairman, Development Authority of Nagaland; and Neivikuolie Khatsü, assistant secretary general, Nagaland Olympic Association.

The NPA expressed deep appreciation to Ujjwal Mukhia, whose company, Picko Padel, was the title sponsor of the tournament and who is also the vice president of the Karnataka Pickleball Association, for his role in supporting and promoting pickleball in Nagaland.

Describing the Kohima Open Tournament 2025 as a landmark sporting event, the NPA said it is confident that the tournament will inspire greater participation and nurture future champions. It was further mentioned that fans can look forward to the upcoming pickleball tournament in September in Dimapur.