Y Patton with others during 29th Wrestling Championship 2024 of CWA at Chozuba town on February 9.
Our Correspondent
Chozuba | February 9
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton today requested the Chakhesang Wrestling Association and Angami Sports Association to come to Wokha and train Naga wrestling to the Lotha community.
“Come and train us,” Patton said while gracing the 29th Wrestling Championship 2024 of Chakhesang Wrestling Association at Chozuba town in Phek district on February 9.
He also called upon the later to spread Naga wrestling to other districts of the state. This championship has rightfully earned its place as one of the most awaited sporting events in Nagaland’s annual calendar, bringing great joy and excitement for the people of the community and the state, he said.
Patton said that the wrestling sport has a rich cultural history and tradition embedded in Naga society since time immemorial.
“Our ancestors and forefathers engaged in wrestling competitions as a way of building physical strength, honing martial skills and inculcating virtues of bravery, resilience and sportsmanship also as a way of life since olden days though the organized form of wrestling took shape only in the later stage,” he said.
Over the decades, Nagaland has produced many wrestlers who have made the state and nation proud with their feats in national and global competitions and announced the arrival of Nagaland as a powerhouse in this sport, he said.
Promising young athletes are emerging from districts across the state showcasing their talent-bright future of Naga wrestlers in which the Phek district is second to none, he said.
He said competitions such as this play a pivotal role not only in identifying and grooming fresh talent in the state but it also fosters friendship and unity among different communities in the society.
“I wish and hope that the passion for this organized form of wrestling sport spread across all tribes of Naga society in days to come,” he said.
He said that the government of the day under the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is giving maximum emphasize in sports and music sector in order to promote the youths of the state in these sectors so that talented youngsters can be self-employed instead of running after jobs only in government sector which is already saturated now.
In this, he appealed all the young wrestlers to give their best performance in the true spirit of sportsmanship and with dedication. “Victories and defeats are part of sport, but it is the spirit with which you compete that defines your character. Forge new friendships that go beyond rivalry on the bout,” Patton said.
Meanwhile, Patton also made an announcement to upgrade Chozuba Police Station to that of SDPO status.
