Vivolie Khezo, President of the NWA, as the special guest at the Curtain Raiser for Training Camp program organized by Lotha Wrestling Association (LWA), in collaboration with the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA). (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | September 27
The Lotha Wrestling Association (LWA), in collaboration with the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), held a Curtain Raiser Programme for a training camp focused on Naga style and other forms of wrestling today at the VDB Hall in Wokha Town. The event was graced by Vivolie Khezo, President of the NWA, as the special guest.
In his address, Khezo expressed gratitude to God for the gathering and extended thanks to local dignitaries and the LWA for their warm welcome. He emphasised the significance of Naga wrestling as an essential part of the region’s cultural heritage, recounting how wrestling served as a means of conflict resolution among ancestors, fostering unity and respect among disputing parties.
Khezo outlined the NWA’s plans for the upcoming months, including a 10-day coaching camp for newly established associations. The LWA camp runs from September 27 to October 7, followed by camps for the Pochury Wrestling Association, Rengma Wrestling Association, and Sumi Wrestling Association throughout October. He also announced several upcoming competitions, including the 17th International Hornbill Naga Style Wrestling Competition on December 4 and the Nagaland Open Level Tournament on February 25, along with a dedicated tournament for newly formed associations in March. Additionally, he mentioned the participation of 36 wrestlers from Nagaland in the 12th National Traditional Wrestling Championship 2024, hosted by the All India Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Federation (AITWPF) in Dehradun.
Mharhomo Lotha, President of the LWA, also spoke, thanking God for the occasion and noting the significance of wrestling as an art form and heritage. He reflected on the association’s journey over the past three years, highlighting the successful organisation of the Under-17 Wrestling Championship and recognising the achievements of Lotha wrestlers, including Thechamo Murry and Zarenthung, who have collectively secured six medals in various competitions.
Lotha Youth Hoho President Limathung N Yanthan praised the NWA for their support and characterised the event as groundbreaking for the local wrestling community. He encouraged participants to make the most of the free training, which could serve as a pivotal opportunity in their athletic careers.
Chipen Kikon, President of the Wokha Village Youth Organisation, underscored the popularity of wrestling as an indigenous sport in Nagaland. He lauded the NWA’s efforts in promoting wrestling, which he believes not only enhances physical fitness but also fosters unity within communities. Kikon expressed optimism that more Lotha wrestlers would emerge in the future and urged the NWA to extend its outreach across the state.
The programme was chaired by Bichano Murry, with an invocation by Zubeno B Kinghen, Women Pastor of YBE, and a benediction by Mhademo Jungio, Youth Director of WTBC.
