Mokokchung, September 23 (MTNews): MH-10 Kohima defeated defending champions Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA) in an intense final match to lift the 15th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2022 at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex, Mokokchung on Friday.
After a two-year gap owing to the COVID Pandemic, the fifteenth edition of the Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy, organized by the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA), featured 18 teams from different districts.
MH-10 won the first two sets of the final match 25/22 and 25/22 but CVA came back strongly in the third set to win it 25/23, saving a straight sets loss. However, in the fourth set, eventual champions MH-10 humbled the otherwise much feared CVA side 25/16.
The closing ceremony was graced by Tongpang Ozukum, Minister of PWD (Housing and Mechanical) as chief patron. In his address, he remarked that volleyball, unlike cricket, football, and kabaddi, is not a popular sport in India but with the introduction of Khelo India by the Indian government, emphasis has been placed on all sports.
He also complimented Late Imchaba’s family for their effort in promoting the sport. He stated that the Mokokchung District Sports Council should be reinforced in order to resurrect Mokokchung’s lost grandeur via sport and enhance the district’s sports scene.
I.Imkong, son of Late Imchaba, in whose memory the trophy is being organised, was also present at the closing ceremony and delivered a brief speech in which he stated that one cannot shine without effort, and he further encouraged the young individuals to rise and be professional in all aspects of life.
Earlier, MH-10 Kohima played Tuensang District Volleyball Association in the semi-final matches, which MH-10 won 25/20, 25/21, 25/17 while Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA) beat Vision Volleyball Club Tuensang 25/22, 25/15, 25/13 to advance to the final.
Player of the tournament was awarded to Imliakum of CVA, Best Setter was awarded to Limatenzuk of Yimyu, and Best Spiker was awarded to Imkongtenzuk of MH-10, Kohima.