Nagaland veteran wrestler to officiate at BRICS Games 2024

KOHIMA — In a first, veteran wrestler Surhoneyi Soho from Nagaland will be refereeing belt wrestling matches of different categories at the BRICS Games 2024, scheduled from June 12 to the 23rd in Kazan, Russia.

He also officiated in the recently concluded Alysh Grand Wrestling Prix 2024 held in Bishkek, Kazakhstan, where he was the coach for the Indian team.

Speaking with Eastern Mirror, the veteran wrestler said he would be officiating the Alysh belt wrestling (under the United World Wrestling) matches comprising two events — freestyle and classic styles in the upcoming event.

A former champion of the Naga Open Wrestling, Soho said he was recommended for the event by the Naga Wrestling Association (NWA) and the president of All India Traditional Wrestling and Pankration Federation and Asian Alysh Federation, Omarmukhtar Tamboli.

The belt wrestling matches in which he will be officiating will be held in the later part of the sporting event.

A nationally qualified referee (wrestling), he thanked the NWA, Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and the state government for giving him the privilege to be a part of the international technical officials. Saying that the opportunity is only through the grace of God, he sought the prayers of all.

BRICS Games is an international multi-sport event to be held across 17 venues with and 4000 plus athletes from over 60 countries competing in 29 sports disciplines. It is an annual event organised by the BRICS countries.

Some of the sports disciplines are: acrobatic rock and roll, breaking, karate, table tennis, diving, artistic gymnastics, fencing, rhythmic gymnastics, beach volleyball, beach handball, badminton, equestrian sport, tennis, basketball, football, boxing, etc.