The G. Rio Memorial Volleyball Trophy, 12th Kohima Open Tournament, commenced on Monday at the Kohima Local Ground (Khuochiezie) with a formal opening programme organised by the Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA). The four-day tournament, scheduled from November 17 to 20, features both men’s and women’s teams from Nagaland, Assam and Manipur.
Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, MLA, attended the event as the special guest.
The women’s category saw four straight-set victories, with teams asserting early control over the tournament.
In the first match, Senapati SC, Manipur registered a commanding 3–0 win against Masketeers VC, finishing with set scores of 25–13 and 25–08 in the final two sets.
The second match featured Elite Sister, who defeated Dreamers 2–0, securing the sets 25–23 and 25–16.
In the third encounter, MADFA overpowered Team Ace with a comfortable 2–0 victory, recording one of the day’s widest margins with set scores of 25–05 and 25–13.
The fourth match saw Serenity Spikers outplay Tiema-khe Kidima, sealing another straight-set victory at 25–10 and 25–07.
Meanwhile, the men’s division delivered more closely contested matches, with two of the three fixtures stretching to three sets.
In the opening match, Senapati SC, Manipur edged past SASA with a 2–1 win. After taking the first set 25–14, the team dropped the second 20–25 but bounced back strongly in the decider to claim it 25–17.
The second match saw Kiruphema Youth Organization Jr. rally from a first-set deficit to defeat Evergreen Club Ungma 2–1. The team recovered from an 18–25 loss to take the next two sets 25–19 and 26–24.
The third match concluded with Zing Zing, Kezo Town securing a straight 2–0 win over Kiruphema Youth Organization A, closing the sets at 25–22 and 25–20.
In his address, Zhaleo expressed gratitude to the organisers, stating that the G. Rio Memorial Volleyball Trophy held great significance for the family as a tribute to his late father, Guolhoulie Rio. He acknowledged the Northern Angami Students’ Union (NASU) for introducing the memorial trophy in its initial years and thanked KDVA for taking charge of the tournament, stating that the event had grown stronger each year in terms of participation and the standard of competition.
Zhaleo said the family had earlier deliberated on its continued association with the tournament, and agreed to support KDVA on the condition that the level of the games be enhanced over time and that the tournament be sustained. He stated that both sides had agreed to these terms and expressed appreciation to KDVA for shouldering the responsibility of organising the event annually.
Reflecting on the life of his late father, Zhaleo said Guolhoulie Rio—popularly known as G. Rio—was a humble and God-fearing man. He informed that his father served in the Naga Regiment under the British government before returning home and briefly serving as pastor of the Tuophema Baptist Church. He later joined the Naga Home Guards during the period of the Naga political struggle. According to Zhaleo, his father contributed significantly to community development, serving 21 years as chairman of the Village Council of Tuophema Basa, during which he facilitated various developmental works and helped establish friendship treaties between Tuophema and neighbouring villages.
Zhaleo also said that his father, being an ex-serviceman, was actively involved in promoting the welfare of ex-servicemen within the Northern Angami area. He recalled that his parents lived simply and were devoted to helping the poor and the downtrodden, adding that the family believed the blessings they continued to receive were a result of his parents’ good deeds and service.
Turning to sports, Zhaleo stressed that sporting excellence required discipline, controlled lifestyle and hard work, stating that there was “no substitute for hard work” in any field. He urged volleyball players to stay focused on their chosen discipline and aim for higher levels of competition, including national and international platforms. He observed that in the modern era, sports had evolved into a profession offering opportunities for recognition, income and career growth, and stated that Nagaland, despite being a small state, had the potential to contribute to the nation through sports and tourism.
Zhaleo expressed confidence that the G. Rio Memorial Trophy had been placed in “safe hands” and assured that the family would continue extending support in the years to come. He noted that many ventures collapsed due to budgetary challenges and expressed appreciation that KDVA was committed to sustaining the tournament. He wished all participating teams success and encouraged them to display sportsmanship and discipline throughout the competition.
Earlier, KDVA president Visasielie Suhu announced that the association’s annual open volleyball tournament would henceforth carry the name “G. Rio Memorial Trophy” for both men and women. He informed that the memorial event had previously been conducted by NASU but was discontinued for some years until KDVA revived it with the consent of the late G. Rio’s family. He clarified that only the name of the tournament had been changed while the format remained the same.
Suhu reported a strong turnout for the 12th edition, with 13 teams registered in the men’s category and 12 in the women’s division. He expressed satisfaction at the increased participation of women’s teams and thanked all participating teams, sponsors and supporters for making the event possible.
The opening programme began with an invocation by pastor of UBC, Visatuo Yhoshü, followed by a special song presented by Brooke Shitiri. The special guest declared the tournament open. Convenor of the Technical Committee, Vizobeilie Punyü, administered the oath to the participating teams.
Prize structure
- Men’s Category: Champions – Rs. 1,50,000; Runners-up – Rs. 80,000; Semi-finalists – Rs. 25,000 each
- Women’s Category: Champions – Rs. 80,000; Runners-up – Rs. 50,000; Semi-finalists – Rs. 15,000 each
- Individual Awards: Best Spiker – Rs. 5,000 (Men and Women); Best Setter – Rs. 5,000 (Men and Women)