The Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA) has completed the selection of athletes who will represent the state at the Inaugural Mithun Rhino Pickleball Championship 2026, following the successful conduct of the Team Nagaland Trials on March 7 at The Fitness House, Dimapur.
According to a press release issued by the association, the interstate championship between Nagaland and Assam will be held on March 14 and 15 at The Fitness House, with matches scheduled to begin at 12 noon on the opening day. The timing for the finals will be announced later.
The trials were organized to identify players who will form Team Nagaland for the inaugural event. The selection process included two pathways. Direct entry was granted to champions from the previous tournament in recognition of their performances, while the remaining spots were filled through the trials conducted on March 7.
The association stated that the championship is part of a broader vision to strengthen sporting exchanges between states and promote greater engagement among athletes and sporting communities in the region. It added that the event reflects a growing effort to use sport as a platform for youth engagement, regional friendship and people-to-people connection.
The NPA also said that the championship aims to promote pickleball as a fast-growing sport in Nagaland and the Northeast while creating new opportunities for participation and competition. Besides the sporting aspect, the event is expected to encourage healthy lifestyles, youth development and community pride.
Expressing gratitude to The Fitness House, Dimapur, the association acknowledged the venue partner for hosting the trials and supporting the growth of the sport in the state. The NPA also congratulated all athletes who took part in the trials, noting that their dedication and commitment contributed to the success of the event.
The selected Team Nagaland has begun training under the guidance of the association in preparation for the upcoming interstate championship. The NPA said it remains committed to strengthening the sporting culture in the state through partnerships, opportunities and sustained development of emerging disciplines such as pickleball.
Nagaland Team Manager: Nisuka Khulu
MENS INTERSTATE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
1.Vilasier Khate (Team Captain)
2.Megotsolie Khate
3.David Murry
4.Tonoto Ayemi
5.Imsuren Longchar
6.Kabinlo Kent
7.Chuba Imsong
8.Imtinok Pongener
9.Nzamo Kikon (Reserve)
10.Zhaputso Khate (Reserve)
11.Ohito Awomi (Reserve)
WOMENS INTERSTATE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
1.Eyeni Yanthan (Team Captain)
2.Lentina Longkumer
3.Chubasenla Aier
4.Elona Ayemi
5.Yangtila Ozukum
6.Imtila Pongen
VETERANS INTERSTATE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
2. Kenei Miachieo
3. Lhouvi Punyu
4. Abu Metha
5. Vikho Khate
6. Ringo Odyuo
7. Rohan Abraham (Reserve)
8. Chichan Shitiri (Reserve)
9. Mongden Jamir (Reserve)
Mixed Doubles
1.Chubasenla Aier (Team Captain)
2.Kabinlo Kent
3.Imtinok Pongener
4.Megotsolie Khate
5.Menuovi Kire
7.Imtila Pongen
8.Lentina Longkumer
OPEN CATEGORIES
Mixed Doubles
Imtinok Pongener / Eyeni Yanthan
Megotsolie Khate / Imtila Pongen
Menuovi Kire / Lentina Longkumer
Chubasenla Aier / Kabinlo Kent
Mens Singles
Vilasier Khate
Megotsolie Khate
Nzamo Kikon
Zhaputso Khate
Mens Doubles
David Murry / Tonoto Ayemi
Kabinlo Kent / Imsuren Longchar
Chuba Imsong / Imtinok Pongener
Nzamo Kikon / Ohito Awomi
Womens Doubles
Chubasenla Aier / Eyeni Yanthan
Lentina Longkumer / Elona Ayemi
Yangtila Ozukum / Imtila Pongen
Veterans Doubles 40+
Kenei Miachieo / Lhouvi Punyu
Abu Metha / Vikho Khate
Kuchi R Zeliang / Ringo Odyuo
Chichan Shitiri / Mongden Jamir
Rohan Abraham (Substitute)
Veterans Doubles 45+
Abu Metha / Kenei Miachieo