MH-10 Kohima- winner of the 13th edition of the Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy 2024. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | August 24
MH-10 Kohima emerged champion of the 13th edition of the Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy 2024, defeating arch-rivals Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA) in a thrilling 5-set match at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on August 23.
The tournament, organised by the Luke Sasong Sporting Association under the aegis of the Mangmetong Students’ Union and themed ‘Unity through Sports,’ saw MH-10 lift the trophy for the second consecutive time.
The final match, a repeat of the previous edition’s showdown, was a highly competitive encounter, with both teams alternating set victories.
CVA took an early lead in the first set, but MH-10 fought back to win it narrowly with a score of 25-23. CVA responded strongly in the second set, securing a 25-20 victory. The third set was a nail-biter, with both teams showcasing their skills, but MH-10 emerged victorious with a 29-27 win.
CVA dominated the fourth set, winning 9-25, setting the stage for a decisive fifth set. In the final set, MH-10 demonstrated their prowess, winning 15-7 to clinch the tournament. The biennial tournament featured 12 teams from Mokokchung, Kohima, Wokha, and Dimapur.
Earlier in the day, CVA advanced to the finals by defeating Ozümi Volleyball Team with scores of 25-23, 26-24, 25-12, while MH-10 Kohima secured their spot by overcoming Itovi Memorial Team Dimapur with scores of 25-21, 20-25, 25-18, 25-17.
As champions, MH-10 Kohima received a cash prize of Rs 70,000 and certificates, while runners-up CVA were awarded Rs 40,000 and certificates. The two semifinalist teams, Ozümi Volleyball Team and Itovi Memorial Team Dimapur, each received Rs 10,000.
In the individual categories, Pitovi from MH-10 was named Best Spiker, Tongpangsunep, also from MH-10, was awarded Best Setter, and Imkongsanen from CVA was honoured as Player of the Tournament. Each individual award came with a cash prize of Rs 5,000 and certificates.
Addressing the closing ceremony, N Jamonger Ao, District Civil Supply Officer, Mokokchung, and guest of honor, praised the hard work and dedication of the organizers. He commended Mokokchung Town for fostering a vibrant sporting culture and highlighted the role of individuals, associations, and organizations in promoting sports throughout the town and district. Ao also lauded the Luke Sasong Sporting Association for their efforts and congratulated all the athletes, emphasizing that by competing at this level, they are all champions. He encouraged the players to enjoy the game and strive to be champions in their daily lives as well.
