The 18th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2025, organized by the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA), is set to begin on Tuesday, September 21, at 1:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, Mokokchung.
A cornerstone event in the district’s sporting calendar for over two decades, the tournament draws top teams from across Nagaland. This year, 14 teams will compete over four days, including at least six from outside Mokokchung district, while notably, no teams from Mokokchung town proper are participating.
The inaugural match of the tournament will be played between defending champions MH-10 Kohima and strong title contenders Chienino Brothers from Kiruphema, Kohima, who were third-place winners in 2023.
Fans have already begun analyzing team strengths, with Pool A — featuring MH-10 Kohima, Chienino Brothers Kiruphema (A), Longsa Sporting Club, Mokokchung, and Shikaho Memorial Club (SMC), Akuluto — being widely regarded as the tournament’s ‘Group of Death.’ Longsa Sporting Club, historically the most successful team having won titles during the second through sixth editions, will be eager to revive its former dominance. Shikaho Memorial Club is capable of defeating any opponent on their day, while Chienino Brothers Kiruphema enter the tournament as one of Kohima’s hottest teams. Defending champions MH-10 Kohima, also the 2022 winners, face a tough challenge to advance beyond the group stage.
The MDVA, one of the district’s strongest sporting associations, has played a pivotal role in volleyball development in Nagaland. The association has also been a pioneer in supporting teams financially, offering travel allowances for outstation teams and participation grants to all entrants.
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This year, the MDVA has announced cash prizes of Rs 1,00,000 for the champion, Rs 70,000 for the first runner-up, Rs 30,000 for the second runner-up, and Rs 20,000 for the third runner-up. In addition, individual awards of Rs 5,000 each will be presented for Best Spiker, Best Setter, and Player of the Tournament.
The tournament promises high-quality volleyball action and a showcase of talent from across the state, making it a highly anticipated event for players and fans alike.
Apart from the MDFA Trophy, the Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy is the only major regular tournament in Mokokchung that generates revenue through ticket sales.
The tournament draws jam-packed galleries, and it has long been argued that Mokokchung deserves a dedicated volleyball stadium.
The tournament will be telecast live on Mokokchung Channel. The MDVA has also engaged independent YouTube channels to broadcast the matches live.
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