Nagaland Players Shine at Kolkata Open 2026 with 11 Medals

Nagaland's Remarkable Performance at Kolkata Open

Representatives from the Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA) showcased an outstanding performance at the Kolkata Open 2026, where they secured a total of 11 medals, comprising eight gold and three silver. This event, which took place from April 30 to May 3, marked the first PWR400 tournament in eastern India and was a significant achievement for the state, especially considering that pickleball was introduced in Nagaland just a year prior. Upon their return, the medalists were warmly welcomed at Dimapur Airport on Monday.

The four-day event attracted 310 participants from various parts of India, competing in 30 different categories. Vilasier Khate's Stellar Performance Among the standout players from Nagaland was Vilasier Khate, who earned the title of Player of the Tournament by clinching gold in both the Advanced Men’s Singles and Intermediate Men’s Singles categories. Additionally, he secured a silver medal in the 30+ Men’s Singles event. Sonia Sarkar was recognized as the Emerging Player after her victory in the Intermediate Women’s Singles.

In the Advanced Men’s Doubles, Kabinlo Kent and Imsuren Longchar took home the title, while Megotsolie Khate and Elona Ayemi won the Intermediate Mixed Doubles. David Murry and Kabinlo Kent also triumphed in the Beginner Men’s Doubles, with Murry additionally winning gold in the Beginner Mixed Doubles alongside Lentina Longkumer. Elona Ayemi and Lentina Longkumer were crowned champions in the Beginner Women’s Doubles. The silver medals were awarded to Alemyim and Lizavi in Beginner Women’s Doubles, David Murry and Tonoto Ayemi in Intermediate Men’s Doubles, and Vilasier Khate in the 30+ Men’s Singles.

After the team's return, NPA president Nathan Kaurinta Zeliang expressed pride in the team's achievements, calling it a “historic moment” for Nagaland. He highlighted the significance of this accomplishment, especially since the sport is still developing in the state. “In such a short time, our players have managed to compete at a national level,” he stated. Zeliang mentioned that 22 players from Nagaland participated in the tournament and noted that although the association has not yet officially started registration, it already boasts nearly 100 active players. He views this success as a catalyst for increased grassroots and amateur participation.

NPA advisor Kuchi R Zeliang remarked that the tournament offered essential exposure and helped players grasp the competitive standards outside their home state. He acknowledged the tough competition but emphasized that the experience gained would bolster the sport's growth in Nagaland. He was pleasantly surprised by the medal count, which he believes reflects the inherent athletic talent of the Nagas. With pickleball rapidly gaining popularity, he noted that Dimapur and Kohima have seen significant growth, with over 20 operational courts in Dimapur alone.

Financially, the association did not seek government assistance due to the short notice of the tournament, although they received support for key players, and advisor Abu Metha facilitated accommodation and transport in Kolkata. For the athletes from Nagaland, the Kolkata Open represented more than just a successful medal haul; it signified the emergence of a vibrant sporting movement from the Northeast on India's expanding pickleball landscape.