The 1st Kohima Master Pickleball Championship 2026 concluded at The Heritage Pickleball Arena in Kohima with Viketho Kechü named the best player.
KOHIMA — The two-day Kohima Master Pickleball Championship, organised by the Paddle Collective Kohima, concluded on Saturday at The Heritage Pickleball Arena in Kohima.
The maiden edition of the championship witnessed participation from a total of 60 players from Kohima and Dimapur.
In the Mixed Doubles Beginners category, James Liezietsu and Dr. Mengu Rio emerged as the winners, while Imtisen Kikon and Amung Konyak finished as runners-up.
In the Mixed Doubles Open category, Viketho Kechü and Imtisen Kikon bagged the title, while Kenei Miachieo and Lentina Longkumer finished as runners-up.
In the Men’s Doubles Open category, James Liezietsu and Viketho Kechü emerged as winners, followed by Lhouvi Punyü and Vikho Khate as runners-up.
In the Men’s Doubles Beginners category, Yudang Ao and Moa Pongen secured the championship, while Mengu Sakhrie and Talisunep finished as runners-up.
Among the individual awards, the Best Beginner Player Men was awarded to Talisunep, while Imtisen Kikon was awarded the Best Beginner Player Women. The Best Player of the Tournament award went to Viketho Kechü.
Chairman of Kohima Municipal Council Neibodzelie Solo attended the prize distribution ceremony as the special guest.
The total prize pool for the tournament was INR 1.20 lakh, in which champions across all four categories received a cash prize of INR 20,000, while the runners-up received INR 10,000 each.