A match during the 3rd Inter-Ward Volleyball Tournament 2024 held at the Multi-Purpose Sport Complex, Mokokchung on August 7. (Morung Photo)
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Morung express News
Mokokchung | August 7
The Kumlong Sporting Association, under the aegis of the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA), launched the 3rd Inter-Ward Volleyball Tournament 2024 with the theme “Forging Champions” at the Multi-Purpose Sport Complex, Mokokchung on August 7.
This edition features participation from eight wards of Mokokchung. Speaking on behalf of the organizers, Nathan Ozukum, Co-Convenor of the Organizing Committee, expressed hope that all 18 wards of Mokokchung will join the tournament next year. He highlighted the emergence of players who have gone on to participate in various events, both within the state and in the northeast region, thanks to the tournament.
In his exhortation speech, President of Mokokchung District Volleyball Association, Imtipokyim, thanked the organizers and praised Mokokchung as one of the best-performing districts in the state for volleyball. He attributed this success to the grassroots development of players and acknowledged the Mokokchung team for being champions in the inter-district tournament multiple times. He encouraged players to maintain discipline on and off the court, emphasizing that discipline and talent go hand in hand.
The tournament offers a cash prize of Rs 30,000 for the champions and Rs 20,000 for the runners-up. The inaugural match was played between defending champions Kumlong Ward and Mongsenbai Ward, with Kumlong Ward winning in straight sets, 25-21 and 25-10, aiming for their second consecutive championship win.
The second match featured Sungkomen and Marepkong. The first champions, Sungkomen, dominated from the start, winning in consecutive sets with scores of 25-3 and 25-9. The third match saw last year’s runners-up, Artang Ward, deliver a dominant performance against Lijaba Lijen, winning in consecutive sets, 25-12 and 25-7.
The Kumlong Sporting Association (KSA), established in 2016 under the Kumlong ward Yimden, aims to uplift young athletes in Mokokchung District. The Inter-Ward Volleyball Tournament, organized by KSA, seeks to identify and nurture grassroots talent in Mokokchung Town’s 18 wards. KSA aspires to make this an annual event with running trophies to benefit future generations. Despite being new, the tournament has already seen five athletes progress to district and state levels.
