Bronze medallist Rokuokehie Khawakhrie with Veyielo Doulo, NWA officials and others in Kohima on May 9. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 9
The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) today organised a felicitation programme for Rokuokehie Khawakhrie for winning a bronze medal at the recently concluded Belt Wrestling Alysh Grand Prix-2024, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Veyielo Doulo, Director, Tourism Nagaland graced the act of felicitation to the medallist Khawakhrie at a function held at Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) office complex, Kohima.
Khawakhrie, representing India along with six others, clinched a bronze medal under 70 kg category.
The tournament was held from April 27 to 30 last.
Other wrestlers who participated in the tournament under the aegis of All-India Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Federation (AITWPF) included; Nlumrai (Nagaland), Vekhonielii Curhah (Nagaland), Kezhaseluo-o Pienyu (Nagaland), Venuzo Dawhuo (Nagaland), Sudhir Pundekar (Maharashtra) and Sai Shankar Katta (Hyderabad).
The AITWPF Indian team officials included; Omarmukhtar Tamboli, president AITWPF, Abu Metha, general secretary Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and advisor to Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shailendra K. Pathak, general secretary AITWPF, NWA president Dr. Hiabe Zeliang, NOA assistant general secretary Neivikuolie Khatsu, NWA general secretary Vilekho Bio and AITWPF coach Surhoneyi Soho.
The NWA also felicitated Surhoneyi Soho for becoming the first international referee (belt wrestling) from Nagaland.
Soho will also officiate the upcoming BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Sports Games- International multi-sports event at Kazan, Russia, scheduled for June 12 to 23 this year.
Earlier, Neivikuolie Khatsu shared a brief account of Indian team at Alysh Grand Prix 2024 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Seven countries joined this tournament.
The felicitation programme was chaired by NWA general secretary Vilekho Bio.
‘Sport brings people together’
Addressing the felicitation programme, Doulo maintained that sports, be in the track, in the field, in the ring and in any arena, brings discipline.
“Sports give you mental strength, not only physical strength,” he said.
The beauty of the sports is that you befriended your opponent, he said adding that sport brings people together from all walks of life.
Sports also encourage peace and unity, he added.
Meanwhile, Doulo, congratulated the bronze medallist, other wrestlers and officials of the recently concluded belt wrestling Alysh Grand Prix.
He also commended the NWA for taking Naga wrestlers to the international level.
He extended best wishes to the new team of NWA and hoped that it will continue to do good job and bring more laurel to the state and the country.
Further, Doulo congratulated Surhoneyi Soho for becoming the first international referee from Nagaland in the discipline belt wrestling.
NWA new team announced
Meanwhile, the NWA Election Commission has announced the new team of NWA for the tenure 2024-2028. President-Vivolie Kezo, vice president-Viketuozo Meyase & Mitwatei Haiwang, general secretary-Kenlum Hemang, joint secretary-Kuzhovesa Soho, treasurer-Keneilel Rote, property secretary-Rangsilang, technical secretary-Vekhriyi Chuzho, publicity secretary-Seyielhouvi Nagi, women coordinator-Icetdaile, Vesavolu Rhakho and Mezhiesino Keyho.
Advisors-Dr Hiabe Zeliang, Vekhozo Ringa and Er Lhoubeizo Kesiyie. Representative to National level- Neivikuolie Khatsu and Mosonyi Domeh.
