DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 8 (MExN): A 15 member delegation of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), led by its president Neivikuolie Nicholas Khatsü, met the Chief Minister TR Zeliang at the latter’s office chamber on November 8.
The NWA team was also accompanied by five among the six Naga wrestlers who represented India at the 5th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games (AIMAG), at Ashgabat, Turkmenistan from September 19 to 23. The lone medal winner from Nagaland, Keduovilie Zumu of Tuophema village, who won a bronze medal in the 90 kg category of Kazakh Kuresh style of belt wrestling, was also part of the delegation.
The 5th AIMAG at Ashgabat, Turkmenistan was the first event ever where Naga wrestlers represented the country, and proudly, the team returned with a medal. The six Naga wrestlers, led by NWA president Neivikuolie Khatsü and general secretary Vekhozo, were part of the Indian contingent which took part in the 5th AIMAG where a total of 65 countries took part in the tournament. The other Naga wrestlers who took part in the championship were Vechita Khesoh, Visevo Zashümo, Surhoneyi Soho, Venuzo Dawhuo and Menuosetuo Yiese.
During the meeting, the NWA president briefed the CM about the tournament and also on the success story of the Naga wrestlers. It was informed that three Naga wrestlers went down in the quarters, while two were beaten in the semi-final.
The NWA president also thanked the CM for his generous contribution and the assistance in making it possible for the NWA to take part at the 5th AIMAG tournament.
Khatsü also informed the CM about the Senior National Wrestling Championship which is scheduled to take place from November 15 – 18 at Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Let by NWA technical secretary, Visakhoto Krose, three Naga wrestlers including Vechita Khesoh, Venuzo Dawhuo and Ruokuovotuo Khawakhrie will be taking part in the tournament, it was informed.
The NWA further informed that Naga wrestlers would be representing the country in the Asian Games scheduled to be held in the later part of 2018 at Jakarta, Indonesia.
Further, the NWA also highlighted to the CM on the forthcoming International Hornbill Wrestling Championship which will take place during the Hornbill festival. It was informed that wrestlers from Karnataka and Maharashtra have confirmed their participation in the tournament.
Sharing about the success stories and also on the scope of Naga wrestling, the NWA requested the State government to look into the welfare of wrestlers who win medals at the national and international events.
Meanwhile, the NWA president, on behalf of the association, has assured to render their best in promoting Naga wrestling to other districts of State.
CM Zeliang congratulates medal winner
The CM meanwhile congratulated Naga wrestler Keduovilie Zumu of Tuophema village for winning a bronze medal at the 5th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games (AIMAG), held at Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, from September 19 to 23.
He further lauded all the six Naga wrestlers who took part at the 5th AIMAG, and particularly Zumu for bringing laurels to the State by winning a medal at an international event. Mention be made that Zumu won a bronze medal in the 90 kg category of Kazakh Kuresh style of belt wrestling.
“Though all of them could not win medals, yet, even to participate at a world event is a big step forward,” Zeliang said while encouraging the NWA to promote wrestling to other parts of the state.
