The final match of the 13th Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy 2024 between arch-rivals MH-10 Kohima and Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA) lived up to the expectations of all volleyball enthusiasts in Nagaland on Friday.
The Multipurpose Sports Complex in Mokokchung proved too small as spectators packed into the tiny hall to witness a clash between two of the strongest contemporary volleyball teams in Nagaland. With many unable to find a seat inside and thousands watching the match live online, the cheers of fans inside the hall every time a team delivered a powerful spike reverberated across sleepy Mokokchung town. Playing in front of jam-packed galleries, amid cheers and support, is every athlete’s dream, and the players delivered a Friday night to remember.
MH-10 Kohima once again got the better of CVA, but the rivalry between the two teams only deepened as a result. It was a repeat of last year’s edition as MH-10 Kohima lifted the Luke Sasong Memorial Trophy after winning an epic 5-set final with the scoreline 25-23, 20-25, 29-27, 9-25, 15-7.
For those who missed the game, MH-10 Kohima won the first set after a nail-biting finish that set the tone for the rest of the match. CVA came back strongly to win the second set but failed to maintain momentum as MH-10 narrowly secured the third set with a 29-27 score. The fourth set, however, was dominated by CVA, who handed MH-10 a crushing blow with a rare below-10 loss. With the match tied, it all came down to the deciding set, where MH-10 started strongly, taking a 3-0 lead before CVA could score a point.
The eventual champions ultimately won the decider 15-7, not only clinching the tournament but also cementing their place as the leading volleyball team in Nagaland.
The two teams also played the inaugural match of the tournament on Wednesday, as they were grouped in the same pool, which MH-10 Kohima won.
Earlier, CVA defeated Ozümi Volleyball Team in the semifinals with a scoreline of 25-23, 26-24, 25-12, while MH-10 Kohima overcame Itovi Memorial Team Dimapur 25-21, 20-25, 25-18, 25-17.
The champions were awarded a cash prize of Rs 70,000 along with the trophy, while the runners-up received Rs 40,000. The two losing semifinalists were each awarded Rs 10,000. Individual awards of Rs 5,000 each were given for Best Spiker, Best Setter, and Player of the Tournament.
Individual awards
Best Spiker: Pitovi, MH-10 Kohima
Best Setter: Tongpangsunep, MH-10, Kohima
Player of the Tournament: Imkongsanen, Changtongya Volleyball Association
Addressing the closing function of the 13th Luke Sasong Memorial Trophy 2024, guest of honor N Jamonger Ao, District Civil Supply Officer, Mokokchung said that Mokokchung town needs a vibrant sporting culture and praised the Luke Sasong Sporting Association for organizing the tournament.
It is worth mentioning that the biennial tournament was previously held at Mangmetong village, but the organizers shifted the venue to Mokokchung town in 2022.
He stated that every individual, organization, and association needs to work tirelessly to promote a sporting culture in Mokokchung district and expressed his appreciation to the organizers. “The Luke Sasong Sporting Association has done a tremendous job in promoting this culture,” he said.
Acknowledging the significant planning, hard work, and sacrifice required to organize such a tournament, the guest of honor commended the organizing team.
Congratulating the athletes who participated in the tournament, he remarked that they are all champions simply by competing at this level, regardless of winning or losing. He encouraged the players to strive to be champions not just on the court but also in their everyday lives.
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