CVA players with dignitaries after receiving the championship trophy of the 14th Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy at the Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium, Mokokchung on September 18. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | September 19
Changtongya Volleyball Association (CVA) clinched its maiden Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy title after defeating Savage Setters Volleyball Club Chungtia (SSVCC) 3-1 in the final of the 14th edition at the Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium, Mokokchung on Friday evening.
The final, which brought the three-day All Nagaland Open tournament to a close, saw CVA prevail 25-22, 25-19, 14-25, 28-26 before a packed crowd at the stadium.
The tournament featured eight teams divided into two pools: MH-10 (Kohima), Evergreen Club Ungma, Savage Setters Volleyball Club Chungtia and Twin Brothers in Pool A; and Changtongya Volleyball Association, Pangti Volleyball Team (Wokha), United Brothers Chakpa and Longsa Sporting Association in Pool B.
The final began with both teams matching each other point for point. The opening set was tightly fought, with both sides repeatedly leveling the score. CVA, however, managed to gain the advantage towards the closing stages and took the set 25-22.
CVA carried the momentum into the second set, displaying greater confidence and extending their lead at several stages. SSVCC continued to challenge, but CVA maintained control to take the set 25-19 and move within a set of the title.
Facing a two-set deficit, SSVCC came out strongly in the third set and took an early lead. Despite losing a key player to injury, the Chungtia side continued to fight and dominated the set, winning 25-14 to keep the final alive.
The fourth set produced the closest contest of the final, with both teams trading points throughout. The score eventually reached 26-all before CVA secured the next two points to win 28-26 and seal their first Luke Sasong Trophy.
CVA ends MH-10's title bid
CVA had earlier secured their place in the final after a dramatic five-set victory over defending champions MH-10 Kohima in the semi-final. After dropping the opening set 18-25, CVA fought back to win the next four sets 25-23, 25-20, 25-15 and 15-11.
The result ended MH-10 Kohima’s bid for a third consecutive title. MH-10 had won the 2022 and 2024 editions, including a five-set victory over CVA in the 2024 final.
In the other semi-final, SSVCC defeated Longsa Sporting Association in straight sets, 25-20, 25-15, 25-10, to reach the final. The Chungtia side was making its debut appearance in the Luke Sasong Memorial Volleyball Trophy and finished runners-up in its maiden campaign.
MH-10 Kohima finished third, while Longsa Sporting Association secured fourth place.
CVA takes Rs 80,000
CVA received Rs 80,000 along with the championship trophy, while SSVCC received Rs 50,000 as runners-up. MH-10 Kohima and Longsa Sporting Association received Rs 25,000 and Rs 15,000 respectively for third and fourth places.
Sarilepzung of CVA was named Best Setter, while teammate Yongkongtenzük received the Best Spiker award. Imtinungba of SSVCC was adjudged Player of the Tournament. Each individual award carried a cash prize of Rs 5,000.
The closing programme was graced by Metsubo Jamir, Minister of Rural Development and SIRD, Government of Nagaland, as Guest of Honour and hosted by Nichet Jamir.
The tournament is organised biennially by the Luke Sasong Sporting Association under the aegis of the Mangmetong Students’ Union in memory of Luke Sasong of Mangmetong. Born on September 9, 1913, Sasong was a student leader, Christian preacher, former president of the Ao Students’ Conference and a prominent figure in Naga society. He died at the age of 27 while pursuing his BA.
