MH-10 Kohima lift Imchaba Memorial Volleyball Trophy

MOKOKCHUNG — In a thrilling final match, MH-10 Kohima triumphed over their arch-rivals Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA) 3-0 to clinch the 17th edition of the Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy 2024.

The adrenaline-filled final match took place at the Multipurpose Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on Saturday.

MH-10 Kohima delivered a commanding performance, winning with set scores of 25-17, 25-18, and 30-28.

The match kicked off with CVA struggling defensively, allowing MH-10 to capitalise on block-out hits and take the first set 25-17. In the second set, CVA’s lack of coordination persisted, and despite substitutions made by their coach to replace the setter and attackers, the team failed to regain momentum with the scoreboard reading 25-18 in favour of MH-10.

CVA showed renewed vigor in the third set, displaying efficient blocks and spikes in the third set. They fought back with determination and kept the match competitive, but MH-10 narrowly edged out CVA with a 30-28 scoreline, sealing a straight-set victory.

As champions, MH-10 Kohima received cash prize of INR 1,00,000 along with the coveted trophy, while runners-up CVA were awarded INR 70,000. The third and fourth place teams, Itovi Memorial Club from Dimapur and Ozumi, received INR 30,000 and INR 20,000, respectively.

Individual accolades were also awarded, with Watineken and Tongpangsunep of MH-10 Kohima named best spiker and best setter, respectively. The Man of the Tournament honour went to Bendangtemsu of Changtongya Volleyball Association.

Jacob Yanthan, president of Nagaland Volleyball Association (NVA), was the chief patron for the closing programme. In his address, he expressed gratitude to all the participating teams for their enthusiasm and dedication in competing for the prestigious trophy. He encouraged players to fully utilise their God-given talents and urged them to showcase their skills with determination.

Yanthan also called upon district volleyball associations to unify under a common vision, saying that a collective effort is necessary to advance the sport of volleyball across the state.

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