G Rio Memorial Volleyball Trophy begins in Kohima

KOHIMA — The G Rio Memorial Volleyball Trophy (12th Kohima Open Tournament) for men and women, organised by the Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA), commenced on Monday at the Kohima Local Ground (Khuochiezie). The tournament will conclude on November 20.

This year’s tournament features a total of 13 teams in the men’s category and 12 teams in the women’s category, with participants from Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur.

Under the men’s category, the champions will receive a cash prize of INR 1,50,000, the runners-up will receive INR 80,000, and the semi-finalists will receive INR 25,000 each. Under the women’s category, the champions will receive INR 80,000, the runners-up INR 50,000, and the semi-finalists INR 15,000 each.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Zhaleo Rio, advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, spoke about his father Guolhoulie Rio’s legacy, describing him as a humble man who worked for the downtrodden. He also briefly highlighted his father’s biodata.

He shared that when the KDVA approached the family, both sides agreed to work together to upgrade the level of the game over the years and maintain its sustainability.

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He observed that there has been an increase in participation in sports and that the level of competition is improving. He expressed hope of producing more sportspersons not only at the state level but also at the national and international levels.

Addressing the sportspersons, he stated that sports are not only a hobby but have become a profession that brings both financial rewards and recognition. He remarked that even in Nagaland, people can contribute to national development through sports and tourism.

He encouraged Nagas to focus on a single sports discipline, noting that “jack of all trades, master of none” does not apply in the current competitive scenario. He urged players to concentrate on their chosen discipline and maintain discipline in their lifestyles to excel at higher levels, adding that there is no substitute for hard work.

Visasielie Suhu, president of KDVA, shared that the KDVA has been organising open volleyball tournaments every year for both men and women. He said that the G Rio Memorial Volleyball Trophy used to be held annually but was discontinued for a few years. The KDVA, therefore, took the initiative to take over the G Rio Memorial Trophy, and the Rio family agreed, donating trophies and sponsoring cash prizes for the tournament.

He clarified that the Kohima Open Volleyball Tournament and the G Rio Memorial Trophy are the same, with the only difference being the nomenclature. He announced that from this year onwards, the Kohima Open Volleyball Tournament will be officially called the G Rio Memorial Volleyball Trophy and will be held annually with a running trophy for both men and women under the aegis of KDVA.

He further assured that the cash prize for women would be reviewed from the next tournament.

In the men’s category, Senapati Sporting Club (SC), Manipur, defeated the Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) with a set of 2-1. The match points stood at 25-14, 20-25, and 25-17. In the second match, Kiruphema Youth Organization (KYO) Junior overcame Evergreen Club, Ungma, in a closely contested game that ended 2-1 in favour of KYO Junior. The match points were 18-25, 25-19, and 26-24.

The third match saw Zing Zing, Kezo Town, dominate Kiruphema Youth Organisation A, winning in straight sets 2-0. The match points were 25-22 and 25-20.

In the women’s category, Senapati SC, Manipur, triumphed over Masketeers Volleyball Club (VC) with a straight-set victory of 2-0. The match points were 25-13 and 25-08.

Elite Sister secured a straight-set win against Dreamers, ending the match 2-0 with points of 25-23 and 25-16. MADFA defeated Team Ace with another straight-set victory of 2-0, registering match points of 25-05 and 25-13.

In the final match of the day, Serenity Spikers overpowered Tiema-Khe Kidima, winning 2-0. The match points were 25-10 and 25-07.