The 14th Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Tournament (All Nagaland Open) will be held from September 16 to 18 at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex, Mokokchung. The biennial tournament is organised by the Luke Sasong Sporting Association under the aegis of the Mangmetong Students’ Union.
The tournament was instituted to honour the legacy of Luke Sasong, a distinguished son of Mangmetong village who is remembered as an educationist, pioneering Naga student leader, freedom fighter during the British era and Christian leader, the organizers said in a press release.
Born on September 9, 1913, Luke Sasong died at the age of 27. Originally named Sasongdangba, he was given the name “Luke” by American missionary teachers, who associated his character with the wisdom and compassion of St Luke. He served as a pioneering Naga student leader from 1932 to 1935 and was elected president of the Ao Students’ Conference in 1938.
According to the organisers, the memorial tournament is aimed at promoting sportsmanship, youth development and community unity, values associated with Luke Sasong’s life and service.
MH-10 Kohima, the champion in the previous two editions held in 2022 and 2024, will seek to retain the title for a third consecutive time. The organisers said the competition is expected to be tougher this year with more title-contending teams emerging.
The tournament will carry a total cash prize of Rs 1.85 lakh. The winner will receive Rs 80,000, while the runner-up will receive Rs 50,000. The third- and fourth-placed teams will receive Rs 25,000 and Rs 15,000 respectively. Individual prizes of Rs 5,000 each will be awarded to the best setter, best spiker and player of the tournament.
The tournament is open to teams from across Nagaland, with participation restricted to Nagas of Nagaland. Registration forms are available at G-Sports, Mokokchung, and the last date for submission is September 10.
For further information, interested teams may contact 7005511900, 8257926541 or 6009260066.