(Left) Akumla Chuba and others with the players of the first match (Men) between Kohima DVA and MH10 Kohima (Junior) on November 16. (Right) Akumla Chuba and others with the players of the first match (Women) between Volleyball Lovers and Peren DVA on November 16. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 16
The 1st Nagaland State Open Volleyball Championship 2022 (Men & Women) got underway today at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima under the aegis of Nagaland Volleyball Association (NVA) in collaboration with Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland.
Gracing the inaugural function as the special guest, Nagaland’s youth resources & sports director Akumla Chuba said that after the relaxation of COVID-19 restriction, sports in Nagaland has grown in leaps and bounds with many tournaments being held across the state by the government, sporting groups and associations.
She maintained that state should be proud that it had successfully hosted 57th National Cross Country and SAAF- South Asian Cross Country Championship on March 26 last and conducted 2nd Nagaland Olympic and 1st Paralympic Games 2022 in August where many young budding sportsmen have been identified.
The state won U-17 Subroto Cup 2022 and the latest being, winning many medals at the ongoing 2nd North East Olympic Games in Shillong.
“Therefore, we see that Sports in Nagaland have come to the forefront,” the director said.
“Indeed Nagas are second to none despite poor infrastructure, limited funds and yet the sportsperson are bringing laurels,” she said and congratulated the achievers for their dedication and love of sports.
Four more Astro-turf grounds are coming up in Nagaland
She informed that four more Astro-turf grounds are coming up while pre-fabricated indoor stadium in five districts will also be constructed in phase wise manner.
She informed that Khelo India Centres are also being set up in various districts.
She exuded confidence that Nagaland would become the next powerhouse of sports in the country and stressed on the need to work hard with renewed dedication.
The director also urged upon the youth to be ambassador of ‘fitness and health.’
She stated that Nagas lifestyle is changing and are slowly becoming inactive, overfeed and unhealthy population with many lifestyle diseases like diabetes, blood pressure etc called the non-communicable diseases which can be controlled by diet and exercise.
“We should live clean and discipline life,” she said and requested the young athletes to practice healthy lifestyle.
She also called for more participation of women in the field of sports.
The Director encouraged the women to take up sports because many potential professions have not been explored by Naga women. She maintained that this would help in gender equality and the empowerment of young women.
10 teams join championship
Ten teams (five each men & women team) from different parts of Nagaland are vying for the coveted champion title.
Men team- Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA), MH10 Kohima (Junior), Changtongya Volleyball Association, Seven Brothers Kiruphema and MH10 Kohima (Senior).
Women team-Volleyball Lovers, Peren District Volleyball Association, Prüsachadu United, Elite Sisters Lazami and Mystic.
The champion in both category will get Rs. 70,000 each while runner up will receive Rs. 40,000.
There will also be an individual awards- best spiker, best setter and player of the tournament, according to NVA.
Earlier, the inaugural function was chaired by NVA president N.Jacob Yanthan while Yambemo Humtsoe administered oath to the participating teams.
The tournament will continue till November 17.
The closing ceremony will be graced by Anthony Ngully, Additional Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland.
The function will be chaired by NVA vice president Visasielie Suohu while vote of thanks will be proposed by NVA general secretary Tiameren Aier.
