Mokokchung, January 8 (www.nokinketer.in): The Golden Jubilee celebration of the Longsa Sports Association, held in conjunction with the 50th Imtimeren Memorial Open Volleyball Tournament 2026, kicked off on Thursday, Jan 8, at Salang Lenden, Longsa village, under Mokokchung district. The two-day tournament, organised under the theme “To Foster the Young Generation”, is open to Naga teams from across Nagaland and is being conducted on January 8 and 9.

A total of eight teams are participating in the tournament, namely Longsa Eagle Club, Lions Club Longsa A, Lions Club Longsa B, Friends Spikers, Fighting Peace, Longsa Citizen Club, United Young Club Moalenden, and Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA).

The opening special guest of the tournament was Metsübo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Government of Nagaland.

Metsubo Jamir, in his address, said that the tournament has served as an important platform for players to showcase their talents, perform to their best abilities, and compete in a healthy sporting spirit. He encouraged the players to play with skill and commitment, noting that while there will always be winning and losing teams, consistent performance in every match is what truly matters. He added that the way players perform can inspire spectators and younger players alike.

Highlighting the importance of unity, Jamir said that unity within a team creates lasting memories and strong bonds. He reminded the players that they may be teammates today and opponents tomorrow and therefore urged them to maintain friendship, unity, and mutual respect regardless of where they play.

Recalling late Imtimeren, Jamir described him as an all-rounder and a person with a memorable personality. He said that those who had met late Imtimeren would not forget him and noted that launching and investing in such a tournament during his time was a significant contribution for the village and beyond. He added that the gathering today stands as a continuation of the vision and effort initiated by late Imtimeren.

Jamir also acknowledged the organising committee of LSA and the Longsa Village Council for their mutual support and cooperation in sustaining the tournament, which is celebrating its 50th year. Emphasising the need for continuity, he acknowledged the suggestion of creating a corpus fund to ensure the future of the tournament and expressed his willingness to contribute.

In the opening match of the tournament, Lions Club Longsa registered a straight-sets victory, winning the match 25–17 and 25–22.

The champions of the tournament will receive a cash prize of ₹100,000, while the first runners-up will be awarded ₹60,000. The losing semi-finalists will receive ₹20,000 each. In addition, visiting teams are entitled to a travelling allowance of ₹5,000 each. Individual prizes of ₹5,000 each will be awarded for Best Player, Best Spiker, Best Setter, and Best Libero.

Teams from various parts of the state are participating in the tournament as the event marks fifty years of the Longsa Sports Association and continues the legacy of late Imtimeren. S. Supongmeren Jamir, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, will grace day 2 event as the closing ceremony guest.

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