Zhaleo Rio with KDVA officials and players of the inaugural match on November 17. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 17
The four day long G Rio Memorial Volleyball Trophy (12th Kohima Open Tournament/Men & Women) under the aegis of the Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA) commenced at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) on November 17.
Altogether, 25 teams from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland joined the tournament, which will continue till November 20.
Gracing the inaugural session, Nagaland’s Urban Development & Municipal Affairs advisor Zhaleo Rio appreciated the organisers and participants, highlighting the significance of the tournament- both as a memorial to his late father, Guolhoulie Rio, and as a platform for promoting sports in Nagaland.
Emphasising on discipline, focus, and hard work, Rio said “Today, sports are no longer just a hobby - it is a profession with opportunities for wealth, fame, and national representation.”
In this, he insisted that hard work has no substitute and therefore sportspeople should aim not only for state-level excellence but for national and international standards.
Rio urged the players to refine their discipline, lifestyle, and dedication to excel in their chosen sport, reminding them that modern competition demands mastery and commitment.
He also reassured that his family would continue supporting the Memorial Trophy and expressed confidence in KDVA’s leadership.
KDVA president Visasielie Suhu announced that the association’s annual open volleyball tournament will now be known as G Rio Memorial Trophy, continuing the tradition for both men and women.
He shared that the Memorial Trophy was earlier conducted by the Northern Angami Students’ Union but had been discontinued and therefore KDVA approached late Guolhoulie Rio’s family, who agreed and generously sponsored the trophies and cash prizes.
The inaugural programme commenced with prayer by Pastor of UBC Kohima Visatuo Yhoshü while Vizobeilie Punyü, Technical Committee Convenor, administered oath to the participating teams. A special song was presented Brooke Shitiri.
DAY-I Match Results
Women’s category
1st Match: Senapati SC, Manipur won by straight set 2-0 against Masketeers VC.
2nd Match: Elite Sisters won in straight sets 2-0 against Dreamers.
3rd Match: MADFA won in straight 2-0 against Team Ace.
4th Match: Serenity Spikers won in straight sets 2-0 Tiema-khe Kidima.
Men’s category
1st Match: Senapati SC, Manipur beat SASA Senapati SC by 2-1
2nd Match: Kiruphema Youth Organization Jr. beat Evergreen Club Ungma 2-1
3rd Match: Zing Zing , Kezo Town beat Kiruphema Youth Organization A 2-0.
DAY 2 MATCHES
(From 9:00 AM onwards)
Men’s category
1st match: Kazi Najrul Assam vs. Tantrum Volley
Women’s category
1st match: Teen Star vs Senapati S.C
