Nagaland Deputy CM Patton calls for expansion of Naga wrestling

CHOZUBA — Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, Y Patton, who is also in-charge of Home and Border Affairs, on Friday called for ‘expansion’ of Naga wrestling, saying that the sport fosters friendship and unity among various communities.

In this regard, he urged the Chakhesang and Angami wrestling associations to train enthusiasts from other communities so that they too can participate in the sport as well as host tournaments.

The deputy CM was addressing the inaugural function of the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) 29th Wrestling Championship and 3rd Under-16 Meet at Chozuba town.

Pointing out that wrestling as a sport has a rich cultural history and tradition embedded in Naga society, he said ancestors were engaged in the sport as a way of building physical strength, honing martial skills and inculcating virtues of bravery, resilience and sportsmanship.

He said Nagaland is emerging as a powerhouse in this sport, having produced many wrestlers, who have made the state and country proud with their feats at national and global competitions. He added that Phek district is second to none when it comes to producing promising young wrestlers.

Patton further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the state is giving maximum emphasis on sports and music sectors, so that talented youngsters can be gainfully employed in these sectors.

Meanwhile, Advisor for Civil Administration and Works Department (CAWD) and Taxes, Kudecho Khamo said that wrestling as a sport is growing in popularity by the day and has become a high-earning industry.

He also urged sports persons to be hardworking and disciplined to excel in the sports of their choice.

Earlier in the programme, Vekhozo Ringa delivered the presidential address, while first CWA champion (1968) Pudusa Chizo led the flag hosting, followed by lighting of the torch.

About 16,000 spectators, including a host of legislators and wrestling enthusiasts from other tribes, attended the event.