Defending champions Sungkomen Ward start title defense campaign on winning note
Mokokchung, 9 August (MTNews): The 2nd Inter-Ward Volleyball Tournament 2023 for Mokokchung Town organized by the Kumlong Sporting Association under the aegis of Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA) got underway at Multi-Purpose Sport Complex, Mokokchung on 9 August 2023.
Addressing the inaugural program as the guest of honor, Temjenmenba, Advisor, Transport and Technical Education, Govt of Nagaland said that to be a sportsman, one needs a lot of discipline in order to succeed. He also said that discipline is also very much relevant in every sphere of life.
Saying that employment in the government sector is saturated, he added that sports is an alternative avenue to earn one’s livelihood. He, therefore, urged the players to take sports seriously, aspire and be dedicated to their passion so that they can reach a higher level of excellence.
He also urged the citizens of Mokokchung town to support all the tournaments held there to encourage the players.
Earlier in the program, while delivering the welcome address, Dr Imlinichet Imchen, Convenor, organizing committee said Kumlong Sports Association was formed in the year 2016 with the motto “Forging Champions” to promote sports by providing a platform to young talents. A special song was presented by Opangalanger Longkumer during the inaugural program.
A total of 9 wards are participating in this edition of the tournament.
The inaugural match of the tournament was played between defending champions Sungkomen Ward and Mongsenbai Ward which saw a tight contest with Mongsenbai ward taking the first set 25-17. Sungkomen made a spirited comeback in the second set by winning it 30-28. In the third and deciding set, Sungkomen got the better of Mongsenbai Ward, winning it 25-14 and along with it the inaugural match, setting off its title defense campaign on a winning note.
The second match was played between new entrants Majakong Ward and a much improved Penli side from last year. Penli registered a comfortable win in the first set with the scores showing 25-17. In the 2nd set, Majakong Ward made a spirited effort but Penli narrowly managed to win it 26-24.
The third match was played between Lijabalijen Ward and Alempang Ward, both newcomers to the tournament. Lijaba team which consisted mainly of senior players won a tough match against a new and young Alempang side. Lijaba took the first set 25-13 but Alempang bounced back to take the second set 25-22. In the deciding set, Lijaba used all the experience they had to win 25-23.
The star of the match was Mr Lanuakum from Lijabalijen Ward, a retired Indian army personnel.
In the fourth match of the day, it was a repeat of last year’s final as Sungkomen went up against Artang Ward. The formidable blocking skills of Sungkomen was no match for the brotherly duo of Tamalepden and Imsentoba of Artang Ward who helped their team win the match 25-19 and 26-24 in straight sets.
The fifth match of the day saw a very exciting encounter between Yimyu Ward and hosts Kumlong Ward. Both teams were equally battling it out in the nets but Kumlong took the first set 25-22. In the second set, Yimyu made a fighting comeback but was eventually bested by Kumlong 27-25.
The sixth match saw Lijabalijen and Mongsenbai wards locking horns in a tightly contested match. Mongsenbai won the 1st set 25-23 but the more experienced and senior team of Lijabalijen fought back to win the second set 25-23. In the third and deciding set, the young legs of Mongsenbai proved too much for the much older Lijabalijen players as Mongsenbai took the deciding set 25-18.
The seventh and last match of the day saw another three-set match between Artang and wards. Artang took the first set 25-12 but a resurgent Alempang fought back to win the second set 25-21. In the third and deciding set, the inexperience in the ranks of Alempang showed as Artang eventually registered a comfortable 25-15 win.