Zing-zing Kezo Town, MADFA emerge champions at G Rio Memorial Volleyball Trophy

KOHIMA — Zing-zing Kezo Town and MADFA, Dimapur, emerged as the champions of the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the grand finale of the G Rio Memorial Volleyball Trophy, held at Local Ground, Kohima (Khouchiezie), on Thursday.

The men’s champions, Zing-zing Kezo Town, defeated MH-10, Kohima, in straight sets 3-0 (25-18, 30-28, 25-20). They walked home with a cash prize of INR 1.5 lakh, while the runners-up received a cash prize of INR 80,000.

The women’s champions, MADFA, defeated Teen Star from Manipur in straight sets 3-0 (25-15, 35-14, 25-9) in the final match. They received a cash prize of INR 80,000, and the runners-up received prize money of INR 50,000.

Two semi-finalist teams from the women’s category, namely Titans Club and Serenity Spikers, also received INR 15,000 each. In the men’s category, the two semi-finalist teams, namely Kazi Najrul Assam and Kiruphema Youth Organization, received INR 25,000 each.

Also read: G Rio Memorial Volleyball Trophy enters third day in Kohima

It may be mentioned that a total of 13 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams participated in the tournament.

Manpon Konyak, MLA from boi, Mon, speaking during the closing ceremony, expressed that he was mesmerised by the efforts of the volleyball association. He also thanked the participants from various states and congratulated them for taking part in the event.

He said that the society is in a transition period, be it in skilled values, social aspects, way of life, or various cultural aspects. "We have drawn a line remarkably far away from protecting our own identity. Nagas from Nagaland are not united, whereas Nagas all over the world are united as Nagas," he stated.

Consequently, he appealed to the Nagas to make way for future generations. "Each of us today is here to pave the way for the younger generations," he added.

Individual prize winners received INR 5000 each. In the men’s category, the Best Spiker was awarded to Mani (Zing-zing Kezo Town) and the Best Setter to Joyson (Zing-zing Kezo Town). In the women’s category, the Best Spiker was Sangita Das (MADFA), and the Best Setter was Lhingpichoi (Teen Star team).