Kohima: The 8th edition of the Kohima district open volleyball tournament kicked off at the Kohima Local Ground on Wednesday with a total of 18 teams—9 in men’s category and 9 in women’s category, vying for the ultimate championship.
After a year-long gap following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic that froze all sporting activities, the annual open volleyball tourney, organized by the Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA), resumed this year under the theme ‘Transcending through sports’.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony as the special guest, Akumla Chuba, Director of Youth Resources and Sports, lauded the KDVA for its active role in promoting the volleyball game.
“It is through such tournaments that we not only promote sports but also inculcate in us the spirit of sportsmanship,” she said.
The officer expressed delight on the growing number of sports events being conducted by private groups, clubs and sports associations across Nagaland, post the COVID-19 induced lockdowns.
“This is a very important step. The government or the department cannot do everything alone or financially sponsor all events and programmes. Let us keep in mind that the government is a mere facilitator and it is the people who are true custodians to identify, encourage and train our youth,” Chuba added.
While sports provide health benefits, she urged the need to promote sports through academic curriculums and make it a way of life. She pointed out how such tourneys encourage community participation to bring about change while also providing a platform to identify talents and promote the sport.
Saying that volleyball is a much loved game in the state, she hoped to see upcoming players competing at national and international levels. In this regard, she challenged the players to be focused and determined, reminding them to also have fun, build self-confidence, patience, teamwork and the spirit of sportsmanship through the game.
As the 9-women volleyball team vie for the championship trophy, the lady officer expressed delight in witnessing equal women’s participation.
KDVA president Visasielie Suohu said that a team of players from both men and women’s categories will be selected to represent the District teams in the forthcoming All Nagaland Inter District Volleyball tournament to be held from November 24 to 27 at IG stadium in Kohima.
The men’s category winner will walk away with a cash prize of Rs 50,000 followed by Rs 25,000 for the second and Rs 5000 each for the semi finalists.
For both categories, the Best Setter will be rewarded with a cash amount of Rs 2000, while the Best Spiker receives Rs 2000 and the Best Coach receives Rs 2000. In the Women’s category, the winner will walk away with a cash amount of Rs 30,000 while the runner up will receive Rs 15,000. The semi finalist teams will each receive Rs 5000.