Preparations underway for 27th NWA C’ship

NWA officials with Ground Management officials during a press conference in Kohima on March 7. (Morung Photo)

Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 7

The Chakhesang Baptist Church Kohima has started elaborate preparation for the forthcoming 27th Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) Championship and the 1st Under 16 Naga Wrestling 2020 at Khuochiezie, Kohima Local ground This mega Naga wrestling festivity has been scheduled for March 10 to 11, which also coincides with 50 years of NWA.

“The stage is already set. Our guests are ready. Our people are ready to watch the mega tournament,” said NWA president Neivikuolie Khatsu while addressing a press conference here today along with the ground management officials.

NWA extended invitation to all the past office bearers, all the former champions, legislators, HoDs and frontal organizations of Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang communities to the championship.

Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio will grace the meet as the special guest and MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu will be the inaugural guest.

 
90 wrestlers, prize money

NWA general secretary Vekhozo informed that the championship will witness 90 top wrestlers from Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang tribes.

54 wrestlers will vie for top honour under the senior category and 36 under the junior category.

The champion in senior category will receive Rs.3 lakhs along with the Lt. Velahu Puro Memorial Trophy and Rs. 30,000 while the first runner-up, second runner-up and the fourth position will get Rs. 2 lakhs, Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 80,000 respectively.

Losing quarter finalists will be awarded with Rs. 20,000 each. All participants will receive Rs. 3000 each.

The champion in junior category will pocket Rs. 50,000 while second, third and fourth positions will receive Rs. 30,000, Rs. 20,000 and Rs.15,000 respectively. All participants in the junior category will get Rs. 2000 each.

The NWA will provide scholarship to the losing quarter finalists (who are studying), amounting to Rs. 1000 each per month for a year.

“Our principle for introduction of this scholarship is that studies and sports should go hand in hand,” said Khatsu.
 

NWA to introduce pay & watch facility

To connect the outstation wrestling fans, NWA will be introducing a pay & watch facility. For this, it has tied up with Highland Dawn for live-TV streaming online video channel. This can be accessed at northeastcornerstonetv.in at Rs 200 per hour. 

“We will restrict the local channel in and around Kohima to telecast live so that people come together and celebrate the festivity of wrestling together in the ground itself,” said Khatsu.

 
Tickets, other arrangements

Ground Management Convenor, Theja Meru said that they are arranging 240 seats for patron, 800 seats for donor, 1500 seats for chair A category and 5000 seats for Chair B category.

They have also printed 20,000 plus gallery tickets.

Tickets for patron (Admit 2) will cost Rs. 10,000, donors- Rs. 3000, Chair (Front row)- Rs. 1000, Chair (Behind) Rs. 500 and Rs. 100 for gallery.

Tickets will be valid for both days.

He said that complimentary food items will be provided to the patrons, donors and chair ticket holders.

Therie said the ground management will provide all the requirements on payment for which the spectators need not to come with food items.

“We will set up six stalls,” he said adding that the management will make arrangement for 20,000 to 30,000 people.

For the first time, two LED (20X10) will be provided on South and North side.

 
Appeal public to follow traffic rules

The NWA president meanwhile urged the public to follow the traffic rules and avoid random parking.

Stating that Car A Pass has been designed for entry into Local Ground and Car B for Y Junction upto DC office area, he informed that traffic police and ground management will coordinate for the traffic related matters.

He also requested those nearby not to come in vehicles and at the same time asked those from neighbouring villages to use community buses.

The NWA announced that intoxicating substances will be restricted.

Meanwhile, tournament officials briefing will take place on March 9 after a press conference.