The crowd was on the edge of their seats as Kumlong Ward narrowly beat Mongsenbai Ward in a nail-biting five-set finale of the 4th Mokokchung Inter-Ward Volleyball Tournament organized by the Kumlong Sporting Association (KSA).
Both teams came into the fifth set tied at 2-2, and the decider started with Mongsenbai faltering early. Mistakes in serving and receiving gave Kumlong a quick 8-3 lead. But Mongsenbai wasn’t done — they bounced back with sharp digs and attacks, while Kumlong also began making unforced errors. The score swung rapidly: 14-13, 14-14, 15-15. After several tense rallies, Kumlong finally held their nerve to seal the win.
Earlier in the match, Set 1 went to Kumlong 25-20, with powerful serves and well-timed blocks. Mongsenbai struck back in Set 2 (25-19), with their star spiker turning the game around. Kumlong regrouped to take Set 3 (25-20), but Set 4 was a see-saw battle, full of service errors and quick exchanges, keeping fans on edge until the very end.
The match highlighted both teams’ determination and adaptability. Kumlong showed composure under pressure, while Mongsenbai impressed with their quick recovery from early mistakes.
Individual awards went to:
·Best Setter – Aongsen (Kumlong)
·Best Spiker – Imtirenba (Kumlong)
·Player of the Tournament – Bendangmeren (Mongsenbai)
Kumlong received INR 50,000 for their win, while Mongsenbai took INR 30,000. The prizes were handed out by guest of honor Er Chutsusie Thowachu, Executive Engineer, Electrical Division, Mokokchung. Dr. Imlinichet Imchen, Convener of the Organizing Committee, announced that the tournament will now be held every alternate year, with the next edition in 2027. Imtipokyim, President of Mokokchung District Volleyball Association, also addressed the audience.
With the win, Kumlong Ward now joins Sungkomen Ward as the only two teams to have won the title. Sungkomen Ward won the inaugural title in 2022 and again in 2024, while Kumlong Ward won in 2023.