Savage Setters Volleyball Club, Chungtia, with the 19th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy alongside officials and dignitaries after defeating MH-10 Kohima in the final at Mokokchung on Friday. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | September 26
Debutants Savage Setters Volleyball Club, Chungtia came back from two sets down to defeat two-time champions MH-10 Kohima 3–2 and lift the 19th Imchaba Master Memorial Nagaland Open Volleyball Trophy at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on Friday night.
MH-10 appeared to be in control after winning the opening two sets 25–18 and 25–12. However, Savage Setters fought back strongly, claiming the next three sets 25–22, 25–22 and 15–12 to secure the title in their maiden appearance at the tournament.
The four-day championship was organised by the Mokokchung District Volleyball Association and featured 14 teams from across Nagaland.
After trailing 19–21 in the third set, Savage Setters held their nerve to win 25–22 and levelled the match by taking the fourth set by the same score. The deciding set remained closely contested until 12–12, after which the Chungtia side won three consecutive points to complete the comeback.
Savage Setters had earlier defeated Yangs Brother in the quarterfinals before overcoming Unicorns Tuensang 25–13, 25–20 and 25–19 in the semifinal. MH-10 Kohima secured its place in the final with a straight-sets victory over Changtongya Volleyball Association, winning 25–23, 25–21 and 26–24.
The victory marked a rapid rise for the newly formed Chungtia club. Savage Setters had reached the final of the 14th Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy earlier this month before losing to Changtongya Volleyball Association in the deciding fifth set.
Savage Setters received the championship trophy and Rs 1 lakh, while runners-up MH-10 Kohima were awarded Rs 70,000. The third- and fourth-placed teams received Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively.
Wonglem of Savage Setters was named Best Spiker, while teammate Limatenzuk was adjudged Best Setter. MH-10’s Obika won Player of the Tournament, and Sentiyanger was named Emerging Player of the Tournament. Each individual award carried a cash prize of Rs 5,000.
The closing programme was attended by Nagaland Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsübo Jamir, who said the tournament honoured the legacy of Master Imchaba and promoted youth development, sportsmanship and unity.
“You also can convert challenges into opportunities,” Jamir told the youth, urging them to draw inspiration from Imchaba’s life and values.
