Kezhalelie Keretsü
Firstly I sincerely congratulate Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu on successfully releasing her work "Wrestling Day" adding yet another feather to her cap.
In her book that is being released today Dr Theyiesinuo tells us of the relation of a brother who is a wrestler and his sister who supports her brother. She mentions the unreserved support that the sister gives to her brother especially when he forgets to bring his waist band, CHIETHE, which is a Naga shawl used during wrestling match. She promptly returns home to fetch it for her brother so that he could participate in the game.
Trivial as it may sound, it is because of her support that her brother could participate without any further obstacles. Our Naga society being patrilineal in nature often discriminate against womenfolk even though they play a significant role in our lives, they were not given equal opportunities nor treatment even at home.
I made my debut in professional Naga Wrestling in the year 1996 and won the 4th position in NWA, that was when I was 19 years and was doing my PU 2nd year at Baptist College Kohima.
I never thought that one day i would become a champion wrestler and earn myself a name but it was my sheer passion and love for the game that propelled me to the wrestling arena.
During those days we didn't have much facilities, there were hardly 2-3 gyms in Kohima, we didn't have certified dieticians, gym instructors or food supplements which are essential elements for a wrestler.
I believe I had an edge over my friends and opponents because I had access to gym. I was fortunate that uncle Neise Mechülho, former Director of Land Resources Department, Nagaland bought me a mini gym which helped me greatly throughout my wrestling career.
At the peak of my career I had won every known championship trophies atleast once, but the most coveted NWA championship trophy came to me late, I won that only in 2012 when I was 36 years of age and i should say that year was my calendar year as I had won every championship from village level till NWA. I had won fame and fortune as well but above all, the friendship and love of the people young and old, from nooks and corners of villages are something I treasure most. Inspite of all the achievements, one thing that pricks me always when I reminisce those days is, our society used to discriminate women especially when it comes to wrestling... I still remember how a perimeter was drawn that forbids women to even go near the wrestling arena.
Women are not allowed to bind their hair, women who were pregnant out of wedlock are to walk out from the village vicinity, women were not allowed to knit or weave, spectators were not allowed to shout and cheer a wrestler and such others.
But with the passage of time, Naga Wrestling has evolved tremendously.
Since its inception, the rules and regulations were framed time and again to make it more convenient and acceptable to all. Almost all the taboos against women are now withdrawn but still they shy away because it has binded them for too long.
It was during the tenure of Lt. Er Keneilhoulie Keditsu, as the president of NWA in the early 2000 that exposed Naga Wrestling to India and even to the international level, he assigned one of his colleagues to take Naga wrestlers to different parts of India and even invited wrestlers from Africa and Europe for promotion, exhibition and competition. I was also a member of the squad.
With continuous effort and perseverance of various leaders in their respective tenures, the Naga Wrestling is now on the verge of being recognised by the highest governing body for wrestling, that is UWW, United World Wrestling.
This, hopefully will make Naga Wrestling an International event and eventually to the Olympics.
I remember one finest footballers of our time once said, Naga Wrestling is just an indigenous game and is not taking you beyond Mao-gate.
I am happy, we have proven him wrong. The most respected indigenous game "Naga Wrestling" is now making its way to international arena.
In the past times Naga Wrestling is valued and revered not just as a game but as the judge because it is used to settle scores between villages hence avoiding bloodshed.
Our author, by putting down upon this aspect of a wrestler's life has touched a chord in my heart. Personally in my years as a wrestler, I have earned a name for myself, my father, my clan and village but no where was my mother, my wife or sisters who sacrifice their needs and wants to take care of my every need were appreciated.
I can never forget their care and efforts in making me who I am today.
Therefore today, I am truly appreciative of our author for mentioning the significant role women play in our lives. I finally encourage the readers to read this book with the attitude that if the society is to progress and prosper, we should give due recognition to all, irrespective of gender.
(Speech of the Naga wrestler as delivered during the launch of "Wrestling Day" by T. Keditsu at The Heritage on April 16)
