16 Sep : Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland Kuzholuzo Nienu graced the opening of the 4th Nagaland Open Volleyball Championship 2008 as the Chief Guest on 15th September 2008 at local ground Kohima.
Kuzholuzo Nienu, speaking on the occasion appreciated the organizers and said this kind of sports tournament is a meaningful and historic event. The theme of ‘Unity through Sports’ must be a message for everyone, the Minister said. He said that the recent Olympics showcased the excellence of sports in China and challenged the people to be more sincere, hardworking, dedicated and committed to change the society for the better through sports and education.
The inaugural match was played between Longsa and 23rd Assam Rifles, Phek. The running Trophy is donated by the family members of Late G. Rio and the cash prizes along with citation. The Champions will receive Rs. 40,000/-, Trophy and certificates, runners up Rs. 30,000/-, 3rd place winners will be awarded Rs. 20,000/- and citations as well while 4th position winners will receive Rs. 10,000/- and certificate respectively. The individual prizes are as follows Best-spiker Rs. 2000/-, Best-setter Rs. 2000/-, Best-libero Rs. 2000/- and player of the championship Rs. 3000/- along with certificates.
The sponsors of the prize for the runners up are Vichü Society, 3rd Thepfuneituo Rio, Councillor of DMC, 4th by Kezhalelhou Solo, Best-spiker by Akhrietuo Khezhie proprietor of Desmodromic, Best-setter by Kevikhrielie Rio, proprietor of Reebok Showroom, Kohima, Best-libero by Vesakholie Rüpreo, cCntractor and player of the championship by Kohima Plaza Bakery. The 16 teams participating in the six day tournament include teams from outside Nagaland such as Shillong, Meghalaya, DGP team from Manipur, Faithballers from Assam and KYSU from Manipur.
Invocation was pronounced by Atuo Whuorie, Asst Pastor B.M.C., Kohima. Welcome address was delivered by Thepfuhulie Belho, Convernor of the organizing committee and special number presented by Menguse-ü Suokhrie and introduction of players to the Chief Guest were the highlights of the programme. The programme was compered by Asano and Keneingulie. The chief guest also donated Rupees one lakh for the organizers.