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Our Correspondent
Kohima, April 8 (EMN): The stage is set for the 13th Open Naga Wrestling Championship with 86 wrestlers ready to step into the ring on Friday starting from 9 am.
The championship is being organised by the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) at Khouchiezhie in Kohima. The championship is a mega local sporting event in the state with tens of thousands expected to throng the venue.
NWA president, Dr. Hiabe Zeliang informed that out of the 86 wrestlers, 25 wrestlers were for the above 80 kg category and 61 wrestlers for 80 kg and below.
The match will be played in a knockout system, wherein all quarter finalists of both the categories would qualify to vie for the ultimate champion round to decide the champion of this year's edition.
Veterans and prominent wrestlers like reigning NWA champion Venuzo Dawhuo; reigning 12th Open Naga Wrestling Champion Menuosetuo Yiese; former NWA Champion Vechita Khesoh; former Open Naga Wrestling Champion Dzieselatuo Keretsu; former Zeliang Wrestling Association (ZWA) Nlumrai Hegwang; Kezhavizo Thevo; Vekuzo Vezhu, Kekhriezo Nagi among others have confirmed their participation.
Besides, the participants from Wrestling tribes- Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang, two participants -- Thechamo N Murry from Lotha community who weighs 72 kg from Wokha village, and Yimkum Sashi from Ao community who weighs 78 kg from Nokpu village in Mokokchung -- are set to step into the ring, both under 80 kg Category.
Pay-per-view (PPV); steps to access
For the first time, pay-per-view will be introduced in the open wrestling championship and the NWA has expressed hope that it would satisfy the wrestling lovers from across the world to watch. It had earlier been informed that the show can be watched through Bookmyshow.com, however due to technical reasons it has changed the mode for watching.
Interested spectators can now live stream the wrestling championship by visiting www.nagawrestling.org and register as a member.
Upon completion of registration from member dashboard, payment link is provided, so the payment of INR 500 (inclusive of all taxes) can be made using any applicable payment mode and view the live stream throughout the whole day.
The arrangements have been made by the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) through Information Technology (IT) department and in collaboration with RAMIETECH and supported by Highland Dawn media.
Meanwhile tickets for entry into the ground are fixed as INR 150 (Gallery); INR 500 (Chair ticket); INR 2000 (Donor); to be available from the proximity of the ground.
Prize money
Winners for both categories- below 80 kg and 80 kg and above -- will walk away with a cash prize of INR 50,000; INR 30,000; INR 20,000; and INR 15,000 for the first, second, third and fourth positions respectively.
While the ultimate champion will receive INR 1.70 lakh, second ultimate position INR 1.20 lakh, third ultimate position INR 1 lakh, and the fourth ultimate position INR 70,000.
Programme highlight
The championship will be inaugurated by the advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, Zale Neikha at 9 am. After the first round, minister for Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu will grace the occasion as special guest.
The NWA and the organisers have informed that all precautionary measures are in place with the support of district tasks force (DTF) Kohima and in this regard. The 13th Open Wrestling Championship 2021 will be hosted by the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) and the ground will be managed by the Chakhesang Christian Revival Churches Youth Association (CCRCYA).
Meanwhile the management, CCRYCA informed that moudi, food packs, fast-food, tea and snacks would be made available while there will also be a lucky draw.
Parking advisory
Meanwhile, NWA has informed the spectators to follow the traffic advisory issued by the Kohima Police in order to facilitate the smooth flow of the traffic. The participants and officials and spectators are asked to park from NSF office areas while spectators are asked to parked their vehicles from Old MLA Hostel Compound.
It informed that authorised vehicles will only be permitted to enter the ground from Southern Gate, while the entry from Northern gate- entry from Razhu Point is restricted and designated as 'No Parking Zone' till the ground.