Kohima, Nov. 8 (EMN): Chief Minister TR Zeliang has congratulated Naga wrestler Keduovilie Zumu of Tuophema village for winning a bronze medal at the 5th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games (AIMAG), held at Ashgabat, Turkmenistan from Sep. 19 to 23.
The chief minister, during his meeting with a delegation of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), lauded all the six Naga wrestlers who took part at the 5th AIMAG, and particularly Zumu for bringing laurels to the State by winning a medal at an international event.
Mention be made that Zumu won a bronze medal in the 90 kg category of Kazakh Kuresh style of belt wrestling. Other Naga wrestlers who took part in the championship were Vechita Khesoh, Visevo Zashümo, Surhoneyi Soho, Venuzo Dawhuo and Menuosetuo Yiese.
“Though all of them could not win medals, yet, even to participate at a world event is a big step forward,” Zeliang said while he further lauded the NWA officials for their efforts and leadership.
During the meeting, Zeliang also told the NWA officials to promote wrestling to other parts of the State. At present, only three tribes including Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang are affiliated units under NWA.
Zeliang also encouraged the wrestlers to give their best in the effort to reach the top, while he also stressed the need for more participation in tournaments outside the State and at higher levels.
The 5th AIMAG at Ashgabat, Turkmenistan was the first event ever where Naga wrestlers represented the country, and proudly, the team returned with a medal.
The six Naga wrestlers, led by NWA president Neivikuolie Khatsü and general secretary Vekhozo, were part of the Indian contingent which took part in the 5th AIMAG where a total of 65 countries took part in the tournament.
During the meeting, the NWA president briefed the CM about the 5th AIMAG and also on the success story of the Naga wrestlers. It was informed that three Naga wrestlers went down in the quarters, while two were defeated in the round of last four.
The NWA president also thanked the CM for providing the financial assistance in making it possible for the NWA to take part at the 5th AIMAG tournament.
Khatsü also informed the CM about the Senior National Wrestling Championship which is scheduled to take place from November 15 – 18 at Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Three Naga wrestlers including Vechita Khesoh, Venuzo Dawhuo and Ruokuovotuo Khawakhrie, led by NWA technical secretary Visakhoto Krose, will be competing in belt wrestling during the tournament, it was informed.
The NWA further informed that Naga wrestlers would be representing the country in the Asian Games scheduled to be held in the later part of 2018 at Jakarta, Indonesia.
Further, the NWA also highlighted to the CM on the forthcoming International Hornbill Wrestling Championship which will take place during the Hornbill festival. It was informed that wrestlers from Karnataka and Maharashtra have confirmed their participation in the tournament.
Sharing about the success stories and also on the scope of Naga wrestling, the NWA requested the State government to look into the welfare of wrestlers who win medals at the national and international events. Meanwhile, the NWA president, on behalf of the association, has assured to render their best in promoting Naga wrestling to other districts of state.
