Players of Jorhat, Assam and Waromung Sports, Mokokchung in action at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on November 9. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 9
The 9th Kohima Open Volleyball Tournament 2022 (Men & Women) got underway at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on Wednesday. A total of 15 teams featuring 10 men and 5 women team are competing for the coveted title. Two women teams from Senapati, Manipur and Jorhat, Assam are taking part in the tournament. While Jorhat Assam is also part of the men’s team for the championship.
During the inaugural function, Nagaland Khadi & Village Industries Board (NKVIB) chairman Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu graced the occasion as the special guest. In his address, he said sports has become very technical and urge the need to choose on one sporting discipline for sportspersons in order to excel in their career. While observing that sports has become very competitive and professional, Keditsu said discipline and dedication is of the outmost importance for sportsperson and call upon the sportsperson to have long term goals and not be part time sportsperson. Urging the sportsperson to be discipline, he advice to use the technology available to lead the way in sports and was optimistic that will not only bring laurel to the state but also the country.
He congratulated the organizing committee for continuing the championship and said it was a wonderful platform for the players to make the best use of the event showcasing their talent in the right platform.
He also said Chief Minister Rio has vision for youths and especially for sportsperson. In this regard, he asked the sportsperson to take the opportunity given. He further appreciated the neighborhood states for taking part in the championship and added that slowly the Northeast is becoming a sporting hub in the country.
Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA) president Visasielie Suohu delivered the welcome address, KDVA technical committee member Visapa Yongo administered oath to the participating teams.
In the championship, men’s volleyball are played on league-cum-knockout basis, while women’s volleyball are played using robin round league. In the opening league match, Kiruphema Youth Organization (KYO) defeated face St. Joseph’s College Jakhama by three direct sets with 25-21, 25-14, 25-21. Kezo Town beat Vision Quest Club, VK Town by 29-27 25-20 25-19. While for women’s category, defending champions Mystic Club, Kohima lost against Senapati, Manipur by direct sets losing 25-12, 25-7, 25- 17. The tournament will conclude on November 12.
