Nagaland Wrestling Meet kick-starts in Kohima

Kohima, March 14 (EMN): The freestyle wrestling organised by the Nagaland Wrestling Association during the 26th Nagaland style wrestling and 12th Senior and 4th junior freestyle meet was held at Khuochiezie (Kohima local ground) on Wed. March 14.
On day-1, freestyle wrestling was marked by the participation of 62 wrestlers from Angami Wrestling Association (ASA), Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA), Zeliang Wrestling Association (ZWA) and Indira Gandhi Stadium Sports Academy.
In freestyle wrestling (senior) for 86kg (men), Kevizhakho Suokhrie (ASA) emerged as the champion and second by Rokokhoto Lhousa (ASA). For women (senior) for 65 kg, Rükulü (CWA) was the winner and second by Pavelü (CWA).
In junior boys (U-17) for 63 Kg, Razuvoto Porü (CWA) emerged as the winner and Medozhavi (ASA) in second. For girls U-14 for 49 Kg, Vizoseno (ASA) was the winner and Ayau Phom (Sports Academy) in second.
For freestyle, the senior category winner will receive INR 10,000 while the runner-up will pocket INR 7000. In the junior category, the winner will receive INR 7000 while the runner-up will receive INR. 5000.
Earlier Keku Zeliang, former Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) president graced the inaugural session as the main guest.
In his speech, Zeliang called upon the wrestlers to play in true sporting spirit and urged them to give their best. While encouraging the wrestlers, he said ‘in order to become a professional wrestler, one needs skill and agility as well as strength’.
He further lauded the association for their exemplary vision and achievements in promoting and nurturing the young talented sportsperson in the field of Naga wrestling as well as freestyle wrestling.
Zeliang also lauded the pioneers and founding members of the association who took effort and overcame many challenges for promoting and preservation of the rich traditional Naga style wrestling for the generations to come.
“Our naga traditional wrestling is not only a game of competition but fosters many good values like friendship and unity among the different groups. The game also encourages wrestlers to be disciplined, hard-working, skilled and committed” said Zeilang.

Naga style wrestling today
Day-two of the 26th NWA wrestling meet will feature Naga style wrestling where 54 wrestlers from Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang tribes will be vying for the ultimate title at the Kohima local ground.
The list of participating wrestlers includes NWA reigning champ Vechita Khesoh, who is also the 1st runner-up at this year’s CWA meet, CWA reigning champ Venuzo Dawhuo, former Angami champion Mhasilhousie Nagi, Surhoneyi Soho and Pfusato Tetseo, who were both former champions at the NWA open wrestling meet, ASA 2018 1st runner-up Kezhavizo Thevo, ASA 2017 1st runner-up Menuosetuo Yiese and former NWA open wrestling 1st runner-up Nlumrai Zeliang.
Other prominenet wrestlers who will be taking part in this year’s edition are Visevo Zashumo, Rovilhoulie Pier, Seketoukho Nipu, Vekutho Soho, Vetazo Veswuh and reigning ZWA champ Penamhung.
ASA reigning champ Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü will not be taking part in the tournament owing to his exams. ASA officials informed that Keneikhrielie Yhome, a 26 year old from Kohima village will be replacing him.
Meanwhile, it has been informed that Minister for Planning & Co-ordination, Land Revenue, Neiba Kronu will be gracing the day-two event, in place of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who lately expressed his inability to attend the programme.
The champion of Naga wrestling in this edition will fetch a cash award of INR 3,00,000 lakh, while the second, third and fourth position winners will receive a cash award of INR 2,00,000 lakh, INR 1,00,000 and INR 80,000. The losing quarterfinalists will be given INR 20,000 each.
The ticket for gallery and chair is priced at INR 100 and INR 500 respectively, while the donor ticket is priced at INR 2000. The NWA officials also informed that the tickets of any category will be valid for both the days.