Keduovilie Zumu and Nlumrai Hegwang with dignitaries at the felicitation programme on June 27 in Kohima. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 27
Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) today honoured Keduovilie Zumu and Nlumrai Hegwang for winning bronze medal at the recent VI International Sports Festival- ‘Pearl of Kyrgyzstan’ (belt wrestling championship) held at Chon-sary-oi, Kyrgyzstan.
In the championship, Hegwang defeated his opponent from Russia in bronze medal bout under 80 kg category while Zumu overpowered Kyrgyzstan’s opponent in 80+ kg category.
Both attached to Nagaland DGP Sports team and represented All India Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Federation (AITWPF) at the championship.
Speaking at the felicitation programme organised by NWA at Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) Complex, Nagaland’s DGP T. John Longkumer congratulated the duo for their achievements.
He thanked NWA for paving way to Hegwang and Zumu to participate in the championship and brought laurels to the state and the country.
Longkumer also praised NWA for its inclusive approach by spreading wrestling to other tribes apart from Tenyimia community.
He acknowledged Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also president of NOA and NOA secretary general Abu Metha for their constant support to the sports fraternity, adding that they are the driving force to take the sports forward.
DGP informed that Nagaland Police Sports Battalion is expected to be functional before August 15 this year.
Through this police sports battalion, which is the first of its kind in the country, many avenues would be opened to the Naga youth, he said.
Meanwhile, he called upon the sports persons to maintain discipline and consistency and strive for excellence in life.
NWA president Dr. Hiabe Zeliang congratulated Hegwang and Zumu, adding that they have made the state proud and the country in general.
He also requested DGP Nagaland to grant promotion for their achievements, adding that such step would set a benchmark of encouragement to other sports persons and the Naga youth.
NWA president also requested DGP to take up the job matter of Neiphretuo and Venuzo Dawhuo in the police department on priority basis.
Later, Zumu shared the brief account of the championship. He said that 33 countries participated in the championship with Judo and belt wrestling as the main event.
He thanked AITWPF president, NWA, DGP Nagaland, Chief Minister of Nagaland and each and every individual, adding that their achievement has been possible because of their support and prayer.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NWA vice president Dr. Dietho Koza.
