Volleyball Club (VC) Peducha and Mez & Co, Kohima emerged as champions in the men’s and women’s categories respectively at the 3rd Nagaland Inter-Open Volleyball Tournament, which concluded on the night of January 14 at the local ground, Kezo Town.
The two-day tournament was organised by BKK Kezo Town under Kohima district and witnessed enthusiastic participation from a total of 26 teams, including 17 men’s teams and nine women’s teams from across the state.
In the men’s category, VC Peducha clinched the championship title and walked away with a cash prize of INR 50,000 along with the running trophy. Chienino Brothers, Kiruphema finished as runners-up and received INR 30,000. The semi-finalists, BKK Kezo Town and Tama Youth Society, were also awarded cash prizes for their performances.
Individual honours in the men’s section saw Sedzievilie Suohumvü being adjudged the Best Setter, while Kepelhoukho Vielie was named Best Spiker, both representing VC Peducha.
In the women’s category, Mez & Co, Kohima lifted the championship trophy and received INR 50,000 as prize money. Kidima Youth Organisation secured the runners-up position and was awarded INR 30,000. The semi-finalists were Phesama Youth Organisation and Musketeers VC, Pfütsero, who also received cash awards.
Linovi Awomi was adjudged Best Setter, and Nilivi Achumi was awarded Best Spiker in the women’s category, with both players hailing from Mez & Co, Kohima.
The valedictory ceremony was graced by Tepunol Yore, District Project Officer, Land Resources Department, Government of Nagaland, and President of the Southern Angami Gazetted Officers’ Krotho (SAGOK), as the Valedictory Guest. In his address, Yore congratulated the winners and commended BKK Kezo Town for organising the tournament and providing a vital platform for young athletes. He also distributed the prizes to the winning teams and players.
Earlier, the men’s semi-final matches were attended by Kethoshe Chuzho, entrepreneur and General Secretary of the Central Youth Wing, NPF, and Kelhousilie Rutsa, entrepreneur, as match patrons. The women’s semi-final matches were patronised by Limakumla Pongener, EAC Kezocha, and Zakivole Visa, Legal Officer, NPWD.
The valedictory programme was chaired by Mhalevilie Yongo, Pastor of Victory Church of All Nations, Kohima, while the vote of thanks and benediction were delivered by H. Rokopra Mekro, Pastor of Koinonia Prayer Centre (KPC).