The much-anticipated All Nagaland Volleyball Championship 2025 commenced at Aliba village, about 15 km from Mokokchung town, on Tuesday, bringing together 18 teams from across the state to compete under the theme “In Pursuit of Excellence.”
The three-day event, organized by LL Group and managed by Nakzoer, began with the hoisting of the tournament flag by Wabang Kichu, Councilor, Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC), who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. One of the biggest volleyball tournaments in Nagaland, the championship will conclude on November 6.
Addressing the gathering, Wabang Kichu, who also hails from the village and was accompanied by several councilors from MMC, thanked the organizers for the initiative and lauded the players for their participation. He observed that volleyball is growing in popularity in the hilly state due to its accessibility. He noted that, unlike major sports such as football or cricket, volleyball requires little space and minimal equipment.
He reiterated the importance of discipline, consistency, and teamwork, and encouraged athletes to train regularly beyond tournaments, adding that “champions are made in the trenches and not on the sidelines.” He further said that it is not only talent but also hard work, perseverance, and teamwork that create winners, and advised players to respect their coaches, managers, and elders to excel both on and off the court.
While acknowledging that not everyone can be a champion, Kichu reminded the players to learn from defeat, adding that determination, consistency, and commitment are key to achieving success.
Other highlights of the inaugural program included short speeches by Tatongkaba Pongen, Chairman, Aliba Village Council, and Pokyim Jamir, President, Mokokchung District Volleyball Association, followed by the administration of the players’ oath by the Technical Committee.
The inaugural match was played between Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA) and Fabled United Dimapur, where CVA won in straight sets 25–14, 25–15.
The closing ceremony on November 6 will be graced by Imkong L Imchen, MLA and Advisor for IPR and Soil & Water Conservation, as the Chief Guest.
About the Championship
An initiative of LL Group, the event is managed by Nakzoer and offers a prize pool of over Rs 3 lakh. Matches are being played on two courts. The champions will receive Rs 1.20 lakh, the runners-up Rs 80,000, the third prize Rs 60,000, and the fourth prize Rs 40,000.
Individual awards for Best Spiker, Best Setter, Player of the Tournament, and Emerging Player of the Tournament carry Rs 5,000 each. There will also be cash awards for the Player of the Match from the knockout stages.
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All 32 league matches of the tournament will be played in best-of-three sets. A total of 14 league matches were played on the first day while the remaining league matches will be played on day-2 with the third and final day reserved for the knockout matches. The three-day tournament, played simultaneously on two courts, will feature a total of 40 matches.
The organizers are providing free accommodation for all participating teams. The three-day event will also feature stalls, music, and entertainment sessions.
Longden Longkumer, MD of LL Group, when asked about the tournament’s frequency, said that it would be decided based on the success of the current edition. He, however, told Mokokchung Times that it would not be an annual affair.
About LL Group
LL Group, founded in 2021 by Managing Director Longden Longkumer and Director Arenla Along, is a diversified business conglomerate headquartered at Burma Camp, Dimapur. The Group has grown into a multifaceted enterprise with ventures across several sectors, including LL Constructions, LL Powertech Solutions, and LL Medicos. A notable initiative, the Note Grid School of Music in Mokokchung, is recognized for its artistic excellence and community contribution.
Continuing its expansion, the Group recently launched LLW Ventures (P) Ltd, which operates a Morris Garages (MG Motor) dealership, reflecting its ongoing growth and diversification.
