Rs.4.60 lakh set aside as total prize money Our Correspondent Kohima | March 7 The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) is all set to hold 11th Open Naga Wrestling Championship 2017 on March 10 at Khuochiezie ( Kohima Local Ground). Starting from 9:00 AM onwards, it will be played on knock-out basis. MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu will be the chief guest. Ex-minister and Nagaland Govt. Registered Class-I Contractors Union president Seyiekuolie Kesiezie will be the guest of honour. The tournament will be hosted by Zeliang Wrestling Association and Angami Catholic Union, SFS Church Kohima as ground management. Rs. 4.60 lakh set as total prize money The champion will fetch a cash prize of Rs. 1.50 lakh sponsored by Case Construction Dimapur while Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 70,000 and Rs. 50,000 have been set for 2nd, 3rd and 4th place winners, sponsored by Kelei Zeliang secretary rural development, Dr. Zase Chiisi, nodal officer, animal husbandry & veterinary services and K. Francis Zeliang respectively. Quarter finalists and pre-quarter finalists will also receive Rs. 10,000 each and Rs. 5000 each, sponsored by Er. Achakbou Newmai, senior engineer, Agriculture department and Dr. Ilang Eheilung, deputy director, animal husbandry & veterinary services respectively. Further, the best tactic wrestler will pocket a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 sponsored by NWA. For best tactic wrestler, only donor ticket holders, two representatives from each unit (Angami Sports Association, Chakhesang Wrestling Association and Zeliang Wrestling Association) and NWA officials are eligible to vote. 68 wrestlers to vie for champion title Altogether, 68 wrestlers have been registered for the championship. Two former champions Vechita Khesoh and Pfusato Tetseo are also in the race. Other prominent wrestlers includes; Dzieselatuo Keretsii, Menuosetuo Yiese, Khrievotuo Sekhose, Nlumrai Hegwang, Rovilhulie Pier, Petekuolie Nipu, Seketoukho Nipu, Zasituo Tsiikrii, Besiihveto Ciimu, Kuchohu Curha, Keduovilie Zumu, Kezhavizo Thevo, Kikruvilie Khawakhrie, Khoveto Lala, Lorheshiito Sophie, Keneiselie Khawakhrie, Kikhruvil Kikhi. Out of 67 wrestlers, belt wrestler Parveen Kumar from New Delhi has confirmed his participation including a wrestler from Konyak tribe. NWA president Neivikuolie Khatsu informed that two to three wrestlers are also expecting from Assam and Manipur. He said that wild card entry is reserve for non wresting community while the last date for entry of wrestlers from ASA, CWA and ZWA got over by today. NWA to introduce belt wrestling Khatsu said the NWA is going to introduce belt wrestling from this year. A clinic for belt wrestling has been scheduled for March 9 at 4:30 PM at Kohima Local Ground. Naval Kishore, technical secretary NTWFI and international referee belt wrestling will be arriving for this clinic. A belt wrestling demonstration will also take place on March 10 during break time. The NWA is also all set to constitute Referee Board. Meanwhile, all the wrestlers have been asked to report at the Ground on March 9 at 2:00 PM. All the tournament officials have also been requested to report at the venue at 3:00 PM on March 9 for briefing. Meanwhile, entry ticket has been fixed at Rs. 2000 (Donor), Rs. 500 (Chair) and Rs. 100 (Gallery). NWA clarifies The NWA today clarified that the 11th edition resulted as one edition in 1995 was missed out due to communication gap.NWA stated that after proper consultation it got rectified and hence 11th Open Naga wrestling championship 2017 resulted.
