Ase Pongshi declares the tournament open during the Longleng District Open Women's Volleyball Tournament 2026 at the Local Ground, Longleng, on October 20.
Longleng, October 21 (MExN): The Longleng District Volleyball Association (LDVA), in collaboration with the District Hub for Empowerment of Women under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (DHEW/BBBP), organised the first edition of the Longleng District Open Women's Volleyball Tournament 2026 at the Local Ground, Longleng, on October 20.
The inaugural programme was graced by Ase Pongshi, wife of the Advisor for 50 A/C Longleng, as the special guest. The programme was chaired by Ayung B Phom.
The opening ceremony began with an invocation by Chulei Phom, Christian Education Secretary of the Phom Baptist Churches Association (PBCA), followed by a welcome address by the president of the LDVA. Lichei Y Phom presented a special number, after which the special guest addressed the gathering.
Pongshi lauded the LDVA for organising the tournament, stating that it provided women volleyball players with a valuable platform to showcase their skills, talent and sporting abilities. She appreciated the initiative and expressed hope that it would encourage greater participation of women in sports.
Speaking on the theme, “One Team, One Dream, One Vision,” she emphasised that education was a lifelong process and that games and sports were equally important for the holistic development of an individual.
She said sports played a vital role in promoting socialisation, emotional stability, physical fitness and the overall well-being of the body, mind and soul.
She further highlighted that sporting events created opportunities to build meaningful relationships, foster mutual respect among teams and opponents, and strengthen unity and understanding within the community. She expressed hope that the tournament would mark the beginning of a lasting sporting tradition in Longleng district.
Encouraging the participating teams, AsePongshi urged the players to compete with integrity, dedication and commitment while learning to acknowledge and appreciate one another, irrespective of the outcome. She extended her best wishes to all teams for a successful tournament.
The inaugural programme also featured an oath-taking ceremony, followed by the formal declaration of the tournament open by the special guest.
The tournament aims to promote women's participation in sports, nurture local sporting talent and foster unity, teamwork and sportsmanship in Longleng district. Through the initiative, the LDVA seeks to encourage more women to take part in sports and contribute to strengthening the district's sporting culture.
