Abu Metha with NWA officials and Naga wrestlers during felicitation programme in Kohima on June 6. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 6
Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) today celebrated the achiever of 15 Naga wrestlers who brought home 21 medals at the recently concluded 1st All India Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Federation (AITWPF) Federation Cup 2022 at Raipur, Chhattisgarh from May 12 to 15 last.
“We celebrate their achievement with lots of gratitude and pride,” said NWA president Dr. Hiabe Zeliang at the felicitation programme held at Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) complex here.
Joining the celebration of the excellent performance of Nagaland team, NOA secretary general and Athletics Federation of India (AFI) associate vice president Abu Metha said “You have done very well and make all of us proud.”
While congratulating the athletes for winning medals, he said “It is also a time for introspection and to look back- how we did, what we did and how to do better in future.”
Stating that wrestling is a traditional sport for huge amount of Naga community, Metha said “Our forefathers have wrestled since times immemorial.”
Metha, who is also advisor to Chief Minister Nagaland said that wrestling bring the people together and closer.
Wrestling unites different communities, villages, and tribes, he said adding wrestling celebrates the Naga way of life.
This wrestling sport is deeply rooted in Naga society, Naga culture, Naga heritage and Naga way of life, he said.
Metha maintained that NWA has a huge responsibility not only as sports organization but because “you are guardian of one of the richest aspects of our culture and heritage.”
He urged NWA to promote and preserve Naga style wrestling for future generations.
Through wrestling, we have to promote and unify Naga community across international boundaries, he said.
‘Promote Naga wrestling beyond Nagaland’
Metha also look forward to have a threadbare discussion with NWA to strategize as to how to go ahead to promote wrestling.
“We have to seriously consider for introducing weight category in our style of wrestling,” he said.
He also stressed on the need to seriously think about the changes taking place in many disciplines of sport today.
Stating that documentarian of sport be taken into account, he said “Without documentation, we cannot speak of expanding the sport beyond our boundary.”
Metha also called for putting all-out effort to promote Naga wrestling beyond Nagaland so that it would become a true ambassador of the Naga people and then, “the world will recognize us.”
NWA information & publicity secretary C. Theyo, AITWPF vice president Mosonyi Domeh and NWA advisor Neivikuolie Nicholas Khatsu also spoke at the felicitation programme.
Mentionably, Nagaland team secured third position in the overall category at AITWPF Federation Cup 2022.
It bagged 8 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze in belt wrestling including 6 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze in mas-wrestling.
The team was led by C. Theyo as team manager, Icetdaile as assistant manager and Visevo Zashiimo as team coach.
