US, Myanmar wrestlers to join 12th Open Naga Wrestling meet 2019

NWA, ASA and Ground Management officials during press conference in Kohima on March 2. (Morung Photo)

 

Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 2

Apart from 52 Naga wrestlers, six professional wrestlers from United States, Myanmar, Jharkhand have confirmed their participation so far for the forthcoming 12th Open Naga Wrestling 2019 scheduled for March 7 at Kohima Local Ground.

Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) officials along with host Angami Sports Association (ASA) and Ground Management Group (Botsa Baptist Church) communicated this to media persons during a press conference here today.
 

Expecting 60 plus participants 

NWA general secretary Vekhozo informed that so far 58 wrestlers have confirmed their participation. It includes one from US, 3-Myanmar, 2- Jharkhand, 25-Chakhesang, 21- Angami and Zeliang- 8.

He informed that Rung Lian Ceu from United States alongwith two guides have already landed Nagaland today.

Ceu is the reigning US & Myanmar Wrestling Champion.

Two wrestlers from Jharkhand includes Aryan Panwar and Sagar.

Aryan Panwar is Asian junior silver medalist (135 kg) while Sagar is national bronze medalist (105 Kg) of Greco-Roman style.   

The confirmed participants from Myanmar includes; Thawng Tling, Mang Hnin Thang and Tluang Lel Thang.

NWA official will receive them (Myanmar wrestlers) on March 5 at Moreh.

Due to VISA problem, a wrestler from Denmark conveyed his inability to join this time, said Vekhozo.

NWA is also expecting participants from Delhi, Mizoram, Manipur including Phom, Lotha and Konyak tribes.

Meanwhile, last date of form submission has been extended till March 4 due to communication problem.

Wrestlers can still register and submit forms either in person to NWA office AMK Building, Room-18, near NSF office on or before 12 noon on March 4 or ‘WhatsApp’ the filled form to 9612111544.
 

Rs. 6.10 lakh total prize money set

Total prize money of Rs. 6.10 lakh have been set for this 12th Open Naga Wrestling meet.

The champion will fetch a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh while the 2nd place winner will receive Rs. 1.50 lakh, Third- Rs. 1 lakh, 4th- Rs. 70,000. 

Quarter finalists will get Rs. 10,000 each while pre-quarter finalists will receive Rs. 5000 each.

NWA also set a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 for best tactic.

ASA president Viliehu Nguzhü announced the name of prize sponsors, which include Rüüngütuo Secü, Kruyie Pienyü, Bizo M. Kuotsu, Vipralhou Kesiezie and Nosazol Charles.

Nguzhü informed that minister for higher education and technical Temjen Imna Along will be the special guest while Nagaland Khadi & Village Industries Board chairman Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu will be the guest of honour.
 

 

Interactive session with visiting wrestlers 

NWA will have an interactive session with the visiting teams from US, Myanmar and mainland India on March 6 at 4:00 PM at Hotel Japfii Kohima.

All the unit office bearers of ASA, CWA and ZWA including legislators and media persons have been requested to join this fellowship programme to promote wrestling together.

NWA president Neivikuolie Khatsu said the interactive session will witness sharing “on how we can improve our style of wrestling, how we can introduce at the national level and carry forward to the international level.”
 

Over  10,000 spectators expected

Ground management committee convenor Kechangulie Kense informed that they are expecting over 10, 000 spectators.

Entry ticket for spectators stand at: Gallery- Rs. 100, chair- Rs. 500 and Donor- Rs. 2000.

Kense said that around 400 volunteers will be mobilized to manage the tournament and attend to the needs of the spectators.

To minimize and discourage the use of plastics, Kense said that plastic free zone will be enforced. To this, the management will be using bamboo cup and plant leaf.

The management group assured to maintain hygienic and clean environment, adding that pay and use toilet will be placed in a proper way.

It also requested the spectators to use dustbins, which will be provided by the management group.

To cater to the needs of the spectators, two food courts will be there, one towards Northern gate and other at Southern gate.

 
NWA president appeals

NWA president Neivikuolie Khatsu made an appeal to the public especially the wrestling fraternity and wrestling lovers who will be coming to witness the event to come on foot who are nearby or keep away their vehicle far off “so that we do not disturb the traffic in the main town.”

He also requested the public to park their vehicles properly to ensure free flow of traffic on the tournament day.

Meanwhile, Khatsu thanked government of the day, especially chief minister Neiphiu Rio “who is always providing us logistic support, advices and hosting guests from outside.”