Vilasier named Player of the Tournament
Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA) delivered a remarkable performance at the Kolkata Open 2026, clinching a total of 11 medals, including eight gold and three silver, at Eastern India’s first PWR400 ranking tournament held from April 30 to May 3 in Kolkata.
The 22-member Team Nagaland delivered a standout performance, competing against over 300 players from across the country in a tournament featuring 30 categories and more than 1,000 matches. Vilasier Khate was adjudged as the Player of the Tournament, while Sonia was named Emerging Player.
Addressing the media at Dimapur Airport on the team’s return, NPA president Nathan Kaurinta Zeliang termed the achievement as “historic”, noting that Pickleball was introduced in Nagaland barely a year ago. “To compete at par with seasoned national players and return with 11 medals is a matter of immense pride. This is just the beginning, and we are confident of achieving even greater success in the future” he said.
Zeliang further informed that the Kolkata Open was the largest tournament in Eastern India so far, with 310 participants and 1,021 matches played over four days.
Meanwhile, NPA advisor Kuchi R. Zeliang described the tournament as a valuable learning experience, highlighting the higher level of competition outside the state. “We realised that while we perform well locally, the national stage demands a much higher standard. It was challenging but extremely enriching” he said.
He further noted that the exposure gained would help players improve and share insights with others back home. “Winning eight gold and three silver medals came as a surprise and shows the immense potential we have” he added.
On the growth of the sport in the state, Kuchi said Pickleball has rapidly gained popularity across Dimapur and Kohima over the past year, with over 20 courts already established in Dimapur alone.
Asked whether the state government provided financial support, he replied that the team did not seek government assistance for this tournament due to its short notice.
He however added that NPA sponsored key players, while logistical support in Kolkata was facilitated by NPA advisor Abu Metha.
Meanwhile, Player of the Tournament Vilasier Khate, said the achievement came as a surprise. He noted that it was his first tournament outside and did not expect such results. “Winning two gold medals in singles categories probably worked in my favour” he said, adding that the experience would motivate him to train harder for upcoming competitions.