Correspondent
KOHIMA, JANUARY 30
The 52nd Wrestling Meet of the Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) got underway this morning at Khuzama Local Ground, 27 kms away from the State capital Kohima. Altogether, 73 wrestlers from the 12 Southern Angami villages including Pfüchama, Phesama, Kigwema, Mima, Jakhama, Viswema, Khuzama, Kidima, Kezoma, Kezo Basa, Kezo Town and Sakhabama are taking part in the two-day event which will conclude tomorrow.
Gracing the inaugural function as the chief guest, Minister for PWD (Roads & Bridges), Küzholüzo (Azo) Nienu emphasized on popularizing Naga Wrestling among the Nagas and beyond.
“We have to take it (Naga wrestling) to higher levels, and further with a professional approach,” Azo said adding that “we should look up on how international events are managed.”
The minister also urged the wrestlers to maintain discipline, citing that it is the first step to move ahead.
“Sportspersons without discipline will not move ahead as they have failed in what is required most. We expect from you to maintain discipline and punctuality,” Azo told the wrestlers also advising them to participate with the true spirit of sportsmanship.
Also stating that there will be an ultimate winner in the SASA wrestling meet, he encouraged the losers not to be disheartened, but learn from it and strive with greater effort to achieve at the higher level.
He also expressed hope that Naga wrestling will be a platform to bring Nagas closer as well as promote unity amongst the Naga brothers and sisters.
The referees for SASA meet are Sapi Kin, Visüto Yore, Visakrol Vitsu and Kikhwesü Thokhwe, while the field judges are Medose Zhotso, Atho Koso, Zeluolie Mejura, Viphil Kidi, Zeluolie Kigwe and Zaprani Mekro. The time keepers are Vizoto Puro, Khovi Kulnu.
Visevo Zashiimo emerged as the champion of Naga Style Wrestling, while Vitsoto Vitsu, Neidemo Leno and Vitsozol Sothu bagged the second, third and fourth plac respectively.
The champion, second, third and fourth position winners in Naga wrestling will receive prize money of Rs 60,000, Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively, while all the quarter finalists excluding position holders will be given Rs 2000 each.
The second day of the two-day event will also feature free style wrestling. The winners in senior free style in all the categories will receive Rs 6000 each and runners-up will be given Rs 4000 each, while in junior/cadet free style, the winners will get a prize money of Rs 4000 each and Rs 2000 each for all the runners-up.
Players selected to represent SASA in ASA meet are Tepulesii Zhale, SwedevilVitsu, Keselvi Mekro, Vikhotuo Tsotshii, Khevizole Zutso, Kevisalie Dimo, Sahovi John Phinyo, Neidemo Leno, Vetsozol Sothu, Vitsoto Vitsu, Visevo Zashiimo, Vikeduzo Tepa, Viwhezolie Thorie, Povil Phinyo, Vipitha Chaya, Mecievikho Khatso, Kevithushi Kikhi and Atoto Kire.
