G-Sports win Padmashree Nokdenlemba Open Volleyball Tournament

DIMAPUR — G-Sports Mokokchung emerged victorious in the fifth Padmashree W Nokdenlemba Open Volleyball Tournament, defeating United Changki in a gripping five-set final at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Mokokchung on October 11.

G-Sports Mokokchung took the first set 25-19, capitalising on precise spikes and strategic play. However, United Changki fought back, claiming the second and third sets by narrow margins of 26-24 and 28-26.

In both sets, G-Sports Mokokchung displayed strong resilience, managing to equalise on multiple occasions. However, crucial errors led to United Changki securing the sets.

United Changki aimed to wrap up the match in the fourth set, but an injury during a tense 20-20 standoff shifted the momentum. G-Sports Mokokchung seized the opportunity and won the fourth set 25-22, forcing the contest into a deciding fifth set.

In the final set, G-Sports Mokokchung showcased their experience and composure, dominating the set 15-8 to clinch the title.

As champions, G-Sports Mokokchung were awarded a cash prize of INR 1 lakh, while runners-up United Changki received INR 50,000.

Semifinalists Changtongya Volleyball Association and Michazou Kohima each received INR 20,000 for their commendable performances.

The individual prizes were awarded as follows: the best setter went to Tongpangsunep, the best spiker to Reshitemjen, and the best libero to Chubamanen, all from G-Sports Mokokchung. The player of the tournament was Vimechazo Thuphre of Michazou Kohima, while the emerging player of the tournament was awarded to Imtirenba of United Changki.

The closing ceremony was attended by Advisor for Information and Public Relations and Soil and Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen, as the special guest.

In his address, he paid tribute to Padmashree W Nokdenlemba, in whose honour the tournament was organised, and urged the gathering to honour Nokdenlemba’s legacy, particularly his role in founding the Ao Students’ Conference in 1929.

He also highlighted the upcoming 100-year anniversary of the Ao Students’ Conference in 2029, which will be celebrated in Waromong, the native village of the founding father.

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