Winners of freestyle wrestling with NWA officials in Kohima on March 14. (Morung Photo)
Expecting about 25,000 spectators
Our Correspondent Kohima | March 14 The 12 senior & 4th junior free style meet under the aegis of Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) took place here today at Kohima Local Ground. 
Meanwhile, the much awaited 26th Naga style wrestling 2018 will take place on March 15 at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) from 10: 00 AM onwards. The NWA is expecting about 25,000 spectators in this 26th Naga wrestling style meet. Altogether, 54 wrestlers (18 wrestlers each from Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang) will vie for the coveted title in Naga style wrestling. The champion of Naga style wrestling will receive a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh while the runners-up will pocket Rs. 2 lakh. The third and fourth place winner will also be awarded with a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 80,000 respectively. Quarter finalists will also receive Rs. 20,000 each. The inaugural function will be chaired by NWA vice president Mosonyi Domeh while NWA president Neivikuolie Khatsu will deliver presidential address. Reigning champion Vechita Khesoh will be the torch bearer while Chisazo Dawhuo, senior state wrestling coach and coopted technical secretary NWA will administer oath to the wresters. Entry ticket for gallery has been set at Rs. 100, chair- Rs. 500 and donor- Rs. 2000. Food stalls providing tea and snacks, galho, moudi, dog meat and other food items have been set up for spectators during the event. The event is being managed by Angami Baptist Khriesarüii Krotho (ABKK) in aid of construction of ABCC Youth Centre at Chumukedima. ABKK informed that intoxicating drinks will strictly be prohibited and checking will be done at the gates. However, a specific zone for smoking has been allocated. Earlier, Keku Zeliang, former president NWA graced the inaugural programme of 12 senior & 4th junior free style meet. Altogether, 62 free style wrestlers from Angami Sports Association, Chakhesang Wrestling Association, Zeliang Wrestling Association and Sports Academy, Kohima took part in the senior and junior free style wrestling championship today. For freestyle senior category, the champion and runner-up were awarded with Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 7000 respectively while in junior category the prize stands at Rs. 7000 and Rs. 5000 for champion and runner-up respectively. Speaking on the occasion, Zeliang expressed sincere gratitude to NWA for their exemplary vision and achievement in promoting and nurturing young talented sportspersons in the field of Naga wrestling as well as free style wrestling. He also acknowledged the pioneering and founding members of the Association who took pains and overcame many challenges for the promotion and preservation of the rich traditional Naga style wrestling for the generations to come. Expressing happiness over the achievement of NWA year by year, he was confident that the NWA would continue to work hard to build up the potentials of young and talented sportspersons the field of wrestling. He said in order to become a professional wrestler one needs skills and agility as well as strength. “There are many good tactics which can be used in Naga style wrestling which can also be applied to free style wrestling. Our Naga traditional wrestling is not only a game of competition but fosters many good values like friendship and unity among the different groups,” he said, He said the game also encourages wrestlers to be disciplined, hardworking, skilled and committed.
