Mithun Rhino Pickleball C’ship announced

The Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA) has announced the successful conclusion of the Team Nagaland Trials held on March 7, 226 at The Fitness House, Dimapur, to select athletes for the Inaugural Mithun Rhino Pickleball Championship 2026. The interstate championship between Nagaland and Assam will be held on March 14–15, 2026 at the same venue.
The landmark event forms part of the State Government and NPA’s vision to strengthen sports diplomacy, foster youth engagement, and build regional friendship through sporting exchanges.
The association emphasized that pickleball is not only about competitive excellence but also about promoting unity, discipline, and inclusivity.
The championship will feature Men’s, Women’s, Veterans, and Mixed Doubles categories, with Team Nagaland now in training under the guidance of NPA.
The association expressed gratitude to The Fitness House for hosting the trials and congratulated all athletes for their dedication and sportsmanship.
Team Manager: Nisuka Khulu
Team Nagaland Selections
Men’s Interstate Team Championship
Vilasier Khate (Captain), Megotsolie Khate, David Murry, Tonoto Ayemi, Imsuren Longchar, Kabinlo Kent, Chuba Imsong, Imtinok Pongener
Reserves: Nzamo Kikon, Zhaputso Khate, Ohito Awomi
Women’s Interstate Team Championship
Eyeni Yanthan (Captain), Lentina Longkumer, Chubasenla Aier, Elona Ayemi, Yangtila Ozukum, Imtila Pongen
Veterans Interstate Team Championship
Kuchi R. Zeliang (Captain), Kenei Miachieo, Lhouvi Punyu, Abu Metha, Vikho Khate, Ringo Odyuo
Reserves: Rohan Abraham, Chichan Shitiri, Mongden Jamir
Mixed Doubles Team
Chubasenla Aier (Captain), Kabinlo Kent, Imtinok Pongener, Megotsolie Khate, Menuovi Kire, Eyeni Yanthan, Imtila Pongen, Lentina Longkumer
Open Categories
Mixed Doubles: Imtinok Pongener/Eyeni Yanthan; Megotoslie Khate/Imtila Pongen; Menuovi Kire/Lentina Longkumer; Chubasenla Aier/Kabinlo Kent
Men’s Singles: Vilasier Khate, Megotsolie Khate, Nzamo Kikon, Zhaputso Khate
Men’s Doubles: David Murry/Tonoto Ayemi; Kabinlo Kent/Imsuren Longchar; Chuba Imsong/Imtinok Pongener; Nzamo Kikon/Ohito Awomi
Women’s Doubles: Chubasenla Aier/Eyeni Yanthan; Lentina Longkumer/Elona Ayemi; Yangtila Ozukum/Imtila Pongen
Veterans Doubles 40+: Kenei Miachieo/Lhouvi Punyu; Abu Metha/Vikho Khate; Kuchi R. Zeliang/Ringo Odyuo; Chichan Shitiri/Mongden Jamir; Rohan Abraham (Substitute)
Veterans Doubles 45+: Abu Metha/Kenei Miachieo