NWA officials with ground management group after a press conference in Kohima on April 5. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 5
The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) today informed that preparations are in good progress for the forthcoming 13th Open Naga Wrestling Championship 2021.
This mega Championship has been scheduled for April 9 at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground).
Nagaland Youth Resources & Sports Advisor, Er. Zale Neikha and Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue & Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Neiba Kronu will grace the occasion as inaugural guest and special guest respectively.
77 wrestlers confirm participation
So far, 77 wrestlers have been registered for the championship. They include 57 wrestlers in the Below 80 kg and 20 under 80kg and above categories.
Addressing a press conference here today, NWA President, Dr. Hiabe Zeliang announced that apart from the wrestlers of NWA units (ASA, CWA and ZWA), two wrestlers from the Ao and Lotha tribes have also confirmed their participation.
They are Yimküm Sashi from Nokpu village of Mokokchung district and Thechamo N Murry of Wokha district.
Some of the prominent wrestlers to join the championship include; NWA open reigning champ Menuosetuo Yiese, NWA reigning champion Venuzo Dawhuo, former NWA open champion Dzieselatuo Keretsü, former ZWA wrestling champion Nlumrai Hegwang, former NWA champion Vechita Khesoh, etc.
NWA is expecting more participants. They informed that the last date for submission of forms for NWA units have been extended to April 6 while for the non wrestling community, the form submission dare has been extended indefinitely.
Prize money
The cash prizes for both categories (Above-80 kg and Below 80 kg) are Rs 50,000, Rs. 30,000, Rs 20,000, and Rs 15,000 for first, second, third and fourth places respectively.
The Ultimate Champion will fetch a cash prize of Rs. 1.70 lakh, while the second, third and fourth placed wrestlers in the Ultimate Championship will receive Rs. 1.20 lakh, Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 70,000 respectively.
Meanwhile, the quarter finalists of both the categories will automatically qualify for the ultimate championship round.
Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) is making arrangements to telecast the even on a Pay Per View (PPV) mode at BookMyShow.com.
NWA plea
The NWA has meanwhile requested wrestling lovers to be mindful of car parking to minimize traffic jam on the championship day. It requested the spectators from town area not to bring their car and spare the space for those coming from outside Kohima.
As per government directives, all concerned have been further requested to observe the laid down SOPs.
Weight measurement, briefing on April 8
All the wrestlers have been asked to take weight measurement on April 8 from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM.
All the tournament officials have been requested to turn up for briefing session on April 8 at 2:00 PM.
The particular of the wrestlers should be completed and finalized by April 8.
The championship is being hosted by the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) with Chakhesang Christian Revival Churches Youth Association as ground management. The management group will be providing LED screens. They will also arrange food stalls. A lucky draw will also be held.
Entry tickets are priced as follows: Patron- Rs 10,000, Donor- Rs 2000, Chair- Rs 500 & Rs 300, Chair- Rs 150.
