International wrestlers expected to participate in Naga Wrestle Mania

Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 27 (EMN): At least four Chin wrestlers from United States of America including its reigning champion and wrestlers from Myanmar are expected to participate in the ninth edition of Naga Wrestle Mania – King of the Ring series 2022, scheduled to be held at Hockey Ground, IG Complex from October 20 to 22nd. 

The Myanmarese wrestlers have been contacted and are undergoing formalities to enter the competition though it is yet to be confirmed, informed 3E Nagaland, organiser of the event, during a press conference in Kohima on Friday.

In 2019, Chin wrestlers made their first entry into the Naga style wrestling when one, Rung Lian Ceu, participated and was the second runner-up of the 12th Open Naga Wrestling Championship held at Kohima Local Ground.

This time around, four wrestlers including current champion, Biak Hmun Sang, Uk Lian Thang, Thla Hlei Nawl Lian, all in the heavyweight category and Van Ceu Hmung in the lightweight category, confirmed participation for the upcoming King of the Ring Series 2022.

Organisers claimed that this season is going to be the “biggest” in terms of global viewership, given the fact that Chin wrestlers have a wide audience extending to countries like Australia, South Africa besides US.

Like the previous editions, the categories include – lightweight championship (first series) and the heavyweight championship (second series). The best-selected wrestlers from the first and second series will vie for the final series ie, King of the Ring championship.

‘No live streaming’

The organiser also informed vloggers and news channels that live streaming would not be allowed under any circumstance since it is a Pay Per View (PPV), adding that illegal streamers will invite copyright strikes as the event is the property of 3E Nagaland. Those willing to take video are informed to avail telecast rights.

Ticket pricing, registration and sponsorships

Venue tickets are priced at INR 300 and INR 500 for the back row and front row respectively. A pool prize of INR 7 lakh has been earmarked for the championship but the amount may be increased later on, it added.

Registration starts from June 20 onwards and will close on any date depending on the number of registered wrestlers. While a registration amount of INR 500 will be charged for Naga wrestlers, there will not be any entry fee for the US wrestlers, as they would be coming to Nagaland at their own expense, the organisers informed.

Registration forms will be made available at three places in Kohima – Orchid Store, Razhü Point; Sportsworld, Taxi Stand and TMK Market, High School Junction.

Informing that Chabou & Co. (JCB & Niathu Group) is on board as the event partner, it was informed that slots are still open for title/presenting sponsor, associating sponsor, prize sponsor, hospitality partner, medical partner, powered by and so on.