Players, representing Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA), delivered remarkable performance at the Kolkata Open 2026, securing 11 medals – including eight gold and three silver – at eastern India’s first PWR400 tournament held from April 30 to May 3 in Kolkata.
The achievement marked a significant milestone for the state, particularly as pickleball was introduced in Nagaland barely a year ago. The medal-winning contingent received a warm welcome upon their return at the Dimapur Airport on Monday.
The four-day tournament featured 310 players from across India, with players competing across 30 categories.
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Among the biggest Nagaland stars making an impact was Vilasier Khate, who was named Player of the Tournament after winning gold medals in both the Advanced Men’s Singles and Intermediate Men’s Singles categories. Khate also claimed silver in the 30+ Men’s Singles event.
Meanwhile, Sonia Sarkar was judged Emerging Player following her title-winning run in Intermediate Women’s Singles.
Meanwhile, Kabinlo Kent and Imsuren Longchar won the Advanced Men’s Doubles title, Megotsolie Khate and Elona Ayemi clinched the Intermediate Mixed Doubles title. On the other hand, David Murry and Kabinlo Kent won the Beginner Men’s Doubles gold. Murry also won the Beginner Mixed Doubles gold alongside Lentina Longkumer. Elona Ayemi and Lentina Longkumer emerged as champions in Beginner Women’s Doubles.
The silver medals came through 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 category.
NPA president hails the achievement
Speaking to the media after the team’s return, NPA president Nathan Kaurinta Zeliang described the medal rush as a “proud and historic moment” for the state. He emphasized that the accomplishment carried added significance because the sport is still in its infancy in Nagaland.
“In such a short span of time, their players have been able to compete on par with national-level athletes,” he said.
Zeliang revealed that 22 players from Nagaland participated in the tournament and noted that while the association is yet to formally begin registration, it already has close to 100 active players. He called the achievement a stepping stone that could inspire greater participation at grassroots and amateur levels.
NPA advisor Kuchi R Zeliang said the tournament provided valuable exposure and helped players understand the standards required outside the state. While acknowledging the stiff competition, he said the experience gained would help strengthen the sport back home.
He also expressed surprise at the medal tally, saying it reflected the natural sporting talent of Nagas. Highlighting pickleball’s rapid rise, he noted that the sport has grown significantly in Dimapur and Kohima, with more than 20 courts already operational in Dimapur alone.
On the financial front, he said the association had not sought government support due to the short notice of the tournament. However, he acknowledged the backing extended to key players, while advisor Abu Metha assisted with accommodation and transport arrangements in Kolkata.
For Nagaland’s players, the Kolkata Open was more than just a medal-winning campaign. It was a statement that a young sporting movement from the Northeast is beginning to find its place on India’s growing pickleball map.
