Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 1
The Angami Sports Association (ASA) will hold its 43rd games, athletics and 1st ever open Naga wrestling tournament from February 4 to 6 at Khuochiezie Local Ground and D Khel Ground, Kohima village. The inaugural function of the three-day tournament would be graced by Dr Neikiesalie Kire, Minister of Forest, Wildlife and Environment, as the chief guest on February 4 for the games and athletics meet, while the open Naga wrestling would be graced by Kiyaneilie Peseyie, Minister of Social Security and Welfare as the chief guest on February 6. This was informed by the ASA officials in a press conference today held at APO hall, Kohima.
The games and athletics meet would be held on February 4 and 5 at Kohima Local Ground and D Khel Ground, Kohima village respectively, while the open Naga Wrestling would be held exclusively for Angami wrestlers on February 6 at Kohima Local Ground.
The first prize for the open Naga wrestling championship is prized at Rs lakh, while the 1st runner-up will receive a cash award of Rs 70,000. The third position winner will be given a cash award of Rs 40,000, while the fourth position winner will walk back with cash award of Rs 20,000. The losing four quarterfinalists will receive a cash award of Rs 5,000 each.
The first prize for Naga wrestling is being sponsored by Er. Keneilhoulie Keditsu, Retd Chief Engineer and former president Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) and former president Angami Sports Association, while the second prize is being sponsored by Er. Kezha Theünuo, SE, PWD, National Highway. The third prize is being sponsored by Er. Toba, executive engineer, Tourism and former president Southern Angami Sports Association and the fourth prize is being sponsored by Dr. Keduozetuo Punyü, senior specialist, Health & Family Welfare department. The prize for the losing quarterfinalist is being sponsored by Viliehu Nguzhü, District Soil Conservation officer, Longleng, and former general secretary ASA and present joint secretary NWA.
The gallery tickets for Naga wrestling is priced at Rs 100, while the chair tickets is priced at Rs 300. The donor ticket is priced at Rs 2000 and for the patrons the tickets are priced at Rs 10,000.
It was also informed that the overall group championship for games and athletics events will receive cash award of Rs 40,000, while the runners-up will be given Rs 30,000. The other two teams will receive cash award of Rs 20,000 each.
The ASA officials at the press conference also informed that over 400 athletes will take part during the games and athletics meet from February 4 to 5.
The referees for Naga wrestling are Kezhalelie Keretsü, Visakholie Chusi, Neingulie Nagi and Zehoto Kin, while the assistant referees are Pekruneituo Kruse, Rajukolie Vielie, Visakrol Vitsu and Kekhrievolie Keyho. The time keepers are Neikeselie Punyü, Mhiesikolie Niphi and Neilazetuo Khezhie, while the recorders for Naga wrestling are Sithie Mere, Tsilie Zashümo and Menuolie Sirie. The runners for wrestling are Avilhou Yhome, Neikedolie Yhome, Dziesekhotuo Yhome and Kikru Yhome.
The field judges for athletic events are Viliemeto Kehie, Rokokhotso Rino, Thepfulie Lhoungu, Tsopi Live, Vineisa Nagi and Zapani Mekro, while the announcers are Neidilhoutuo Sechü and Visasielie Suohu.
The football match would be officiated by Kohima District Football Referee Association, while the volleyball matches would be officiated by Kohima District Volleyball Association. The athletic officials will be Nagaland athletic officials club while the ground would be managed by Unity Club, Kohima village.
Meanwhile, the ASA officials have also informed that Rs 7000 would be charged from every unit as entry fee, while it has also asked all units to bring their own flags.
There will be a meeting for games and athletics officials on February 3 at 3 pm, while another meeting would be held for wrestling officials on February 5 at 3 pm at Kohima Local Ground.