Correspondent
KOHIMA, JANUARY 29
The 55th Wrestling Meet of the Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA) got underway this morning at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground). The first day of the two-day event featured Naga style wrestling where over 50 wrestlers from the 24 Northern Angami villages under Group A, B, C & D took part.With the completion of the group-rounds this evening, nine wrestlers who have moved to the individual round will vie for the ultimate title tomorrow. They are Khrievotuo Sekhose (Group A), Khriekethotuo Mepfüo (A), Visakuotuo Dzüvichü (A), Kepelhoutuo Yhome (A), Kekhriengulie Whuorie (A), Kelhouvakhrie Kire (A), Zasituo Tsükrü (Group B), Keneilasezo Chase (B) and Visezhü Lhoungu (B).
Gracing the inaugural function as the chief guest, MLA & advisor Music Task Force, New & Renewable Energy and chairman DPDB Kohima, Khriehu Liezietsu advised the players to partake in games and sports activities with the true spirit of sportsmanship.
Stating that Naga wrestling is an indigenous game played since the days of our forefathers, especially the Tenyimi community, Lieziestu also underlined the need to popularize the game for the well being of the society. To this, he called for a collective effort from all sections of the community including wrestlers, leaders and game organizers to popularize and uplift the standard of the game.
Earlier, the invocation was pronounced by Rev Keviyiekielie Linyü, while the welcome address was delivered by NASA president Neiketouzo Kengurüse. A folk song was presented by Kenei-ü Sachü & party and NAPO president Vilieo Rutsa delivered greetings.
A word of acknowledgement was given by NASA advisor Keduo-o Zumvu and the administration of oath to the players was led by Khrievolie Lhoungu, wrestling secretary NASA. The comperes for the function were Neimenuo Soliezuo and Xavier Rutsa.
The chief judge of the 55th NASA Wrestling Meet is Rheilhou Lhoungu, while the referees are Dzieseneituo Belho, Khriekethozo Lhoungu, Razouneio Kerhüo and Kruso Chiese. The recorders are Zhazie-o Sote, Sietso Terhase, Keneilhoulie Theünuo and Keduoneizo James Zumvü, while the time keepers are Kelhousithie Mere, Ruokuovizo Chiese and Roko Mezhier. The announcers are Visasielie Suohu, Vilakuolie Mere and Thezavilie Pienyü.
The prize sponsors for Naga style wrestling are Charlie Sekhose, Class-I contractor, KT Vilie Theünuo, special assistant to Chief Minister Nagaland, Bao Tsürho, Class-I Contractor and Zaputuo Lhoungu, Personal secretary to Parliamentary Secretary, Urban Development.
The second day of NASA Meet will also feature free style wrestling for both men and women for separate categories. The closing function tomorrow would be graced by Pfuduolhou Kense, treasurer, Nagaland Wrestling Association as the guest of honour at 2 pm.
