Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 11
The 25th Anniversary Tournament of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) concluded here this afternoon with Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, Music Task Force and State Lotteries Khriehu Liezietsu as the guest of honour.
The second day of the tournament was marked by Freestyle wrestling with the participation of 74 wrestlers from Angami Wrestling Association (ASA), Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA), Zeliang Wrestling Association (ZWA) and Indira Gandhi Stadium Sports Academy.
Gracing the closing ceremony, Liezietsu said that although Naga traditional wrestling is more popular with a huge fan base in Nagaland comparatively, Freestyle wrestling has better scope in terms of exposure ad prospects, since it is an Olympic event.
“But if we look at it closely, both these forms of wrestling are inter-related because the techniques involved can be applied to the benefit of wrestlers in many aspects of both the games,” he said.
Liezietsu also stressed on the need to encourage free style wrestling among the Naga youth, especially those who look at this sport with a professional approach.
He gave away prizes to the winners of both Naga style and free style wrestling.
Meanwhile, Nlumrai Hegwang of ZWA was awarded the best tactic of the tournament.
Naga wrestling champion Vechita Khesoh was also honoured with Lt. Velahu Puro Memorial Trophy along with cash award of Rs. 30,000.
The closing ceremony witnessed folk song and special song from Cultural Vibrant and Shurhoveyi respectively while the trio Ledilhounuo Sekhose, Dziesekhrienuo Keretsii and Mhasivonuo Linyii sang the theme song of NWA entitled “Heroes of the Ring,” composed by Vilhoukho-ii Solo.
It may be recalled that the NWA 25th tournament anniversary was managed by Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill Kohima. It thanked each and every individual for their role in making the meet a grand success.
