Nagaland Wrestling Association championship on February 28

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 20 (EMN): The much anticipated 28th Naga Wrestling and 2nd Under-16 Naga Wrestling Championship meet organised by the Nagaland Wrestling Association will be held on February 28 at Khouchiezhie (Local ground), Kohima.

Addressing a press conference at Talimeren Conference Hall at Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) office complex in Kohima, NWA President Dr. Hiabe Zeliang informed that a total of 78 wrestlers including 24 wrestlers for Under-16 category from the three units — Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA), Angami Sports Association (ASA) and Zeliang Wrestling Association (ZWA)– will compete for the coveted championship.

The one-day event will be managed by Pesocha Baptist Thepfüko Krotho (PBTK).

The president informed that there will be stricter rules on body touching wrestling (toe touching wrestling) in order to monitor and manage the bouts. To this, he added, the field judges are empowered to assist and intervene in the wrestling match whenever required. The new rules will also be shared to the coaches and referees before the wrestling meet. 

42-year-old Surhoneyi Soho, a veteran wrestler from Chakhesang wrestling association, who is celebrating 25 years at the wrestling arena, will also be competing in the event.

Besides NWA reigning champion Venuzo Dawhuo, who is also the CWA Champion; ASA Champion Kezhaseluo Pienyü and other prominent wrestlers Pfüsato Tetseo, Khezhavizo Thevo, Mhasilhousie Nagi, Atuo Tevo and others are on the fray for this year’s edition, the NWA officials stated.

 The champion for senior category will receive a cash prize of INR 3.20 lakh with championship belt along with Late Velahu Puro memorial trophy and cash prize of INR 30,000. The second position holder will walk home with a prize money of INR 2.20 lakh, third position INR 1.20 lakh and fourth position INR 1 lakh. 

The quarter finalists will be awarded with a cash prize of INR 25,000 each while the other participants will also get a participation allowance of INR 4,000 each.

For the junior category, the champion will receive a cash prize of INR 60,000, the second position winner  will pocket INR 40,000, third, INR 30,000 and fourth INR 25,000.

While for the Under-16 category, any student wrestler that reaches the quarter finals will receive a one year scholarship of INR 1000 per month sponsored by the Association.

 NWA stated that this is to encourage the students and share the importance of how studies and sports must go hand-in-hand. Further the participants (who do not receive any prize) will also be presented INR 3,000 as participation allowance.

Meanwhile, Nagaland’s Chief Minister and President of Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) Neiphiu Rio will attend the occasion as special guest while MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu will be the inaugural guest.

The tickets for the Championship are:  Donor- INR 3000 per ticket, chair (first row)- INR 1000; chair (Second row)- INR 500 and Gallery- INR 150.