The Kohima Pickleball Open Tournament 2025, powered by Picko Padel, concluded successfully on August 16 and 17 at Akim Arena, Kohima. The event featured 25 teams, including 18 Men’s Doubles and 7 Mixed Doubles teams, and showcased Nagaland’s growing talent and interest in pickleball.
Exciting Matches and Grand Finals
Day 1 featured group stages and quarterfinals for the Men’s Doubles. Day 2 included the full Mixed Doubles competition, Men’s Doubles semifinals, and the grand finals.
In the Men’s Doubles Grand Final, Vilasier Khate and Vikhozolie Khate faced Zhaputso Khate and Kepevilie Khate. Vilasier Khate and Vikhozolie Khate won the match with scores of 15-12 and 15-6. This victory marked Vilasier Khate’s second title in this category.
The Mixed Doubles Grand Final saw Imtinok Pongener and Eyeni Yanthan defeating Jubal Pienyu and Lentina Longkumer by 4-15, 15-2, and 15-7. Eyeni Yanthan, who had been the first runner-up in the inaugural Nagaland Pickleball Open, made a strong comeback to claim the championship.
What a day at the Kohima Pickleball Open! Excitement, laughter, tense rallies & fantastic talent on display.
Huge kudos to the Nagaland Pickleball Association & a big thank you to the Indian Pickleball Association.
Cheers to every participant & hearty congratulations to the… pic.twitter.com/KzsD2hUtUQ
— abu metha (@abumetha) August 18, 2025
Prize Money and Special Recognition
The tournament awarded ₹25,000 to the Men’s Doubles winners, ₹10,000 to the runners-up, and ₹15,000 to the Mixed Doubles champions. Abu Mehta, advisor to the Nagaland Pickleball Association, announced an extra ₹10,000 for the winners and ₹5,000 for the runners-up. His gesture motivated the players further.
Distinguished Guests and Supporters
The tournament was attended by notable dignitaries including Theja Meru, Advisor TafMa; Obed Quinker, Chairman NBHM; Kuputo Shohe, Chairman NSMDA; Prasielie Pienyü, Chairman NHHC; Watizulu Jamir, Chairman DAN; and Neivikuolie Khatsü, Assistant Secretary General NOA. Their presence added importance and recognition to the event.
The Nagaland Pickleball Association also thanked Ujjwal Mukhia, Vice President of the Karnataka Pickleball Association and owner of Picko Padel, for sponsoring and promoting the tournament in Nagaland.
Looking Forward
The Nagaland Pickleball Association hopes this tournament will encourage more participation and help develop future champions. Fans can expect another exciting pickleball tournament in Dimapur in September.
News in Brief: Kohima Pickleball Open 2025
The Kohima Pickleball Open 2025 concluded on August 17 with 25 teams competing. Vilasier Khate and Vikhozolie Khate won Men’s Doubles, while Imtinok Pongener and Eyeni Yanthan claimed Mixed Doubles. Prize money totaled ₹50,000, with additional cash announced by Abu Mehta. The event highlighted Nagaland’s growing pickleball scene.
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