DIPR
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 6
Governor of Nagaland Padmanabha Balakhrishna Acharya along with his lady wife witnessed the greased bamboo pole climbing competition held today on Day-6 of the Hornbill festival.
The event, held at the main arena of the Kisama Heritage village, had one selected representative from each Naga tribes of Nagaland including one from Garo community, dressed in their traditional sports attire. The competitors were made to climb a 15-feet-tall bamboo pole greased with pork fat in 30 minutes duration time. They were given the discretion to splash sand for creating friction thereby making it easier to climb the poles.
17 year-old Khekuto Sumi hailing from Chekiye village emerged as the winner from amongst 17 participants and walk away with cash prize of Rs 10,000. Khekuoto reached the top of the pole in 21.6 minutes after making several attempts to climb the pole using sand to smear the bamboo pole.
The 1st runner-up Muziveyi from Chakhesang community (23.57 minutes) and 2nd runner-up Wakho Konyak from Mon (26.07 minutes) were awarded Rs. 7000 and Rs 5000 respectively. All the winners were also given cash prize of Rs. 1,200 each as incentives. Parliamentary Secretary for Sericulture Pukhayi who graced the event as the special guest gave away the prizes to the winners.
Excited after witnessing the game, two tourists – Goruf from Mumbai and Veerbhalra Swamiji Ankeli Math Raichur from Karnataka voluntarily gave Rs 1000 each to the 1st position holder.
The judges for the event were Nagaland Hockey coach Anthony Angami, Nodal officer YRS Megolhu Angami and Vizovol.
