Morung Express News
Mokokchung | October 19
The 3rd edition of the Padmashree W Nokdenlemba Open Volleyball Tournament 2018 culminated here today with Changtongya Volleyball Association emerging as the ultimate champions after beating Longsa Sporting Association in a thrilling final match played at the Multi Sports Hall, Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.
The tournament was organized by the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM).
MLA KuzholuzaNienu as chief patron of the final match said that the tournament’s theme ‘One Team, One Spirit’ was “befitting in the present Naga political context,” adding that Naga people need unity and brotherhood. While questioning how far Nagas have fared in the volleyball discipline, he suggested that the “central idea” of organizing the tournament should be fostering unity besides promoting the game and requested the AKM to take the tournament to the state level. He further added that building the Naga society would take time and that sports can play a significant role in uniting the Naga family.
The tournament is a triennial event that was first organized in 2012. Longsa Sporting Association had won both edition of the tournament in 2012 and 2015. However, Changtongya Volleyball Association broke their winning streak by winning their encounter 25-21, 19-25,22-25, 10-25, 15-12.
Best Spiker, Best Setter and Most Promising Player of the tournament went to Bendangtemsu, Toshienba and Imkongsanen, all representing Changtongya Volleyball Association.
Waromong Sports Association and Lakhuni Sporting Club, the two losing semi-finalists were awarded certificates and cash awards of Rs.20000/- each while the runner-up Longsa Sporting Association was awarded Rs.60,000/- along with certificates.
The champions Changtongya Volleyball Association were awarded a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/- along with certificates and a running trophy.
