Hnahthial, September 2026: Jeje Lalpekhlua, MLA from the South Tuipui Assembly Constituency, attended the closing ceremony of the MLA Cup Inter-Village Volleyball Tournament 2026 as the chief guest at the Hnahthial District Volleyball Court. Sub-Divisional Collector Lawrence Lalhlanthara attended the event as the guest of honour.
Hnahthial South-I VC emerged champions in the women's category, while Tuipui South VC won the men's title.
Addressing the gathering, Jeje Lalpekhlua said Hnahthial district has a large number of sports enthusiasts and that several tournaments are being organised in the district. However, he noted that Mizoram and the country still have significant ground to cover in the field of sports. He attributed this, among other factors, to inadequate systematic training opportunities for young people.
He urged the participating players to become role models and mentors for the younger generation and encouraged them to lead disciplined lives. He also advised them to stay away from alcohol, tobacco and other intoxicating substances, and to maintain discipline in their food and lifestyle.
The MLA also encouraged the players and sports organisers to explore the possibility of bringing coaches under the Empowering Mizoram Sports initiative to further strengthen sports development in Hnahthial.
Lalpekhlua said the Hnahthial District Volleyball Court, where the tournament was held, is proposed to be developed as a semi-indoor facility. He said work was already underway towards achieving the objective. He added that a new pavilion had already been constructed and that improvements had also been made to the volleyball court.
Guest of honour Lawrence Lalhlanthara said sports persons need to stay away from intoxicating substances and urged athletes to celebrate their achievements in a clean and healthy manner, without alcohol or drugs. He said successful athletes need to have the courage to take on challenges, adding that without such determination, they would not be able to reach their full potential.
Lalhlanthara said the government has introduced several programmes for the youth and urged sportspersons to maintain self-discipline and strive to excel in areas beyond sports as well, so that they could become responsible and valuable members of society.
In the women's final, Hnahthial South-I VC defeated South Vanlaiphai VC after a five-set match to emerge champions. In the men's final, Tuipui South VC defeated Hnahthial South-I VC in four sets to claim the championship.
Individual awards were also presented to outstanding players.
Men's Category:
- Best Spiker: Rohluzuala, Tuipui South
- Best Blocker: Hruaitea, Hnahthial South-I
- Best Setter: Zidinga, Tuipui South
- Best Receiver: Hruaia, Hnahthial South-I
Women's Category:
- Best Spiker: Chhuangi, South Vanlaiphai
- Best Setter: Nunpuii, South Vanlaiphai
- Best Receiver: Hruaii, Hnahthial South-I
Each individual award winner received a cash prize of Rs 1,000 along with a trophy.
