Mokokchung, January 30 (www.nokinketer.in): Merangkong Students’ Union (MKT) is the overall champion of the 34th LKM Sports Festival, with all three of its teams: Men’s Football, Men’s Volleyball, and Women’s Volleyball reaching the finals. MKT secured the Men’s Football title, while finishing as runners-up in both the Men’s and Women’s Volleyball events.
The 34th Langpangkong Students’ Conference (LKM) Sports Festival 2026, hosted by the Chuchuyimlang Village Council in collaboration with the Chuchuyimlang Students’ Union under the theme “Rekindling Legacy,” concluded on January 30 at the Langpangkong Tzükong Government High School ground, Chuchuyimlang. Alemtetba P.A., Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, graced the closing ceremony as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering at the LKM Sports Festival, Alemtetba appreciated the citizens of Langpangkong for their presence and support. He encouraged the LKM students, participating players, to maintain discipline in sports and in life, and to strive for better performance each day. He stated that one’s lifestyle and discipline play an important role in determining success. He further urged LKM students and citizens to contribute positively to the Ao community and to the Naga society as a whole, and to reflect on their roles and responsibilities in this regard.
In Men’s Football final, Merangkong Students’ Union (MKT) lifted the championship title, while Chuchuyimlang Students’ Union (CKT) finished as runners-up. In the final match between Merangkong and Chuchuyimlang, Noklensunep (Jersey 20) of Merangkong scored the golden goal in the 10th minute. Chuchuyimlang created several good scoring opportunities in the second half but failed to convert them while Merangkong also created some good chances of their own. The match eventually ended in favour of Merangkong, who took the champion title. Both teams were awarded cash prizes along with citations and trophies.
The individual awards in the football event were presented to Moalemba of Chuchuyimlang as the Best Goalkeeper, Meyinungsang of Mongsenyimti as the Best Defender, Temsuba of Merangkong as the Most Promising Player, and Noklensunep of Merangkong as the Player of the Tournament. The Highest Goal Scorer award was jointly shared by three players: Noklensunep of Merangkong, Takotuba of Mongsenyimti, and Arnokdang of Merangkong.
Earlier, in the semifinals of the men’s Football, Merangkong Students’ Union and Chuchuyimlang Students’ Union advanced to the final after defeating Longkong Students’ Union 1–0 and Mongsenyimti Students’ Union respectively in the first and second semi-finals.
The second semi-final between host Chuchuyimlang and Mongsenyimti witnessed a hard-fought contest, which ended goalless at full time, leading to a penalty shootout. In the initial five penalty kicks, both teams scored four goals each with one miss apiece, forcing the match into sudden death. During the third round of additional penalties, a Mongsenyimti player failed to convert, handing Chuchuyimlang the victory and a place in the final.
The men’s and women’s volleyball finals were played in a best-of-five sets format, with the finalists advancing after winning their respective semi-final matches.
In the women’s volleyball final, Salulamang defeated Merangkong in straight sets to clinch the title. Salulamang dominated the encounter, winning the first set 25–16, the second set 25–16, and the third set 25–18 to seal the match.
In the men’s volleyball final, Changtongya won against Merangkong. Changtongya secured the first set 25–12, edged the second set 25–19, and clinched the third set 25–20 to claim the championship.
The individual prizes for Volleyball were awarded to outstanding players in both the men’s and women’s categories. In the men’s individual category, Sarilepzung (Changtongya) was adjudged the Best Setter, Nungsangyapang (Changtongya) received the Best Spiker award, while Limamoa (Merangkong) bagged the Player of the Tournament. In the women’s category, Sungjemmtola (Salulamang) was awarded Best Setter, Sashirenla (Salulamang) was named Best Spiker, and Toshisangla (Merangkong) bagged the Player of the Tournament.
Earlier, Temjentoshi Information and Publicity Secretary NSF, ex- general secretary LKM delivered a brief exhortation. Rongsenlemba Convenor, Local Planning Committee, Chuchuyimlang and Imkongtemsu Jamir Convenor, LKM Sports Festival Planning Cum Technical Committee delivered the vote of thanks respectively.
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The Nokinketer 