MOKOKCHUNG, SEP 22 (NPN): The 19th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2026, organized by the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association (MDVA), commenced on Tuesday at the Multipurpose Sports Complex with 14 teams competing for the coveted championship title.
Speaking as the guest of honour, Mokokchung Municipal Council chairperson Imkongchuba A highlighted that the tournament was not only a celebration of volleyball but also an occasion to honour the late Imchaba Master, whose contributions to education, sports, and society continue to resonate beyond his lifetime. He described Imchaba as an honest, sincere, and strict disciplinarian who instilled values of manual work, sportsmanship, and biblical teachings, shaping the character of future generations.
Imkongchuba lauded the MDVA for elevating the tournament from a district-level event in 2003 to a prestigious state-level open championship. Addressing the players, he urged them to play hard but fair, respect opponents, win with humility, and accept defeat with dignity, emphasizing that character defines the true spirit of the game.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Planning Committee Convenor Imliyanger, while the invocation was led by MTBA Youth Evangelist.
The tournament carries a total prize pool of Rs. 2,20,000, with the Champion receiving Rs. 1,00,000, the Runner-up Rs. 70,000, the third-place team Rs. 30,000, and the fourth-place team Rs. 20,000. Individual awards of Rs. 5,000 each will be presented to the Best Spiker, Best Setter, Player of the Tournament and Emerging Player.
19th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy begins in Mokokchung
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