The G. Rio Memorial Volleyball Trophy, 12th Kohima Open Tournament, commenced with a formal programme at the Kohima Local Ground (Khuochiezie) on 17 November 2025. Organized by the Kohima District Volleyball Association (KDVA), the tournament will run from 17 to 20 November 2025, featuring both men’s and women’s teams from within and outside Nagaland.
The event was graced by Zhaleo Rio, IAS (Retd.), MLA and Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Government of Nagaland attended as the special guest.
In his speech, Advisor Zhaleo Rio expressed deep gratitude to the organizers and participants, highlighting the significance of the tournament- both as a memorial to his late father, Guolhoulie Rio, and as a platform for promoting sports in Nagaland. He thanked KDVA for elevating the tournament each year, noting its increasing strength, participation, and standard of play.
Reflecting on his father’s life, Zhaleo Rio shared insights, stating that his father, Guolhoulie Rio, was a humble and God-fearing man who served in the Naga Regiment under the British government. He later served as a pastor and subsequently joined the Naga Home Guards during the period of Naga political struggle. He contributed extensively to community development, serving 21 years as Village Council Chairman of Tuophema Basa. He was committed to the welfare of ex-servicemen and to fostering peace through inter-village friendship treaties. Zhaleo said that the blessings upon their family were the result of his parents’ good deeds, humility, and service to the community.
Speaking on sports, Zhaleo emphasized discipline, focus, and hard work. “Today, sports are no longer just a hobby - it is a profession with opportunities for wealth, fame, and national representation. Hard work has no substitute. Let us aim not only for state-level excellence but for national and international standards.” He urged the players to refine their discipline, lifestyle, and dedication to excel in their chosen sport, reminding them that modern competition demands mastery and commitment.
Zhaleo also reassured that his family would continue supporting the Memorial Trophy and expressed confidence in KDVA’s leadership. “We have placed this volleyball trophy in safe hands. We look forward to working together in the years to come.”
President of the Kohima District Volleyball Association, Visasielie Suhu, announced that the association’s annual open volleyball tournament will now be known as the G. Rio Memorial Trophy, continuing the tradition for both men and women. He shared that the Memorial Trophy was earlier conducted by the Northern Angami Students’ Union but had been discontinued. KDVA decided to revive it and sought the consent of the late Guolhoulie Rio’s family, who agreed and generously sponsored the trophies and cash prizes. Suhu clarified that the tournament remains the same, with only the name being changed.
He highlighted that this year’s 12th edition of the tournament sees strong participation, with 13 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams, including teams from Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur. He expressed happiness at the increased number of women participants and thanked all teams and supporters for making the tournament a success.
The programme began with Visatuo Yhoshü, Pastor of UBC, invoking blessings upon the tournament. A special song was presented by Brooke Shitiri. Advisor Zhaleo Rio then declared the tournament officially open. Vizobeilie Punyü, Technical Committee Convenor, led the oath-taking for the participating teams.
Prize Structure
Men’s Category: Champions - ₹1,50,000, Runners-up - ₹80,000 and for Semi-finalists: ₹25,000 each
Women’s Category: Champions - ₹80,000, Runners-up - ₹50,000 and for Semi-finalists: ₹15,000 each
Individual Awards (Men & Women): Best Spiker - ₹5,000 each and Best Setter - ₹5,000 each
(DPRO Kohima)
