Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 28
Visevo Zashümo today emerged as the undisputed champion of the 54th Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) Wrestling Meet held at Kohima Local Ground.
Standing 5.9 feet and weighing 86 kg, the 30 year old from Phesama village was declared champion after his opponent Sahovi John Phinyo from Kidima village failed to compete in the final bout due to injuries.
Swedevil Vitsu and Külto Toso bagged the third and fourth places respectively.
The champion in Naga style, Visevo walked away with cash prize of Rs. 80,000 while the 2nd, 3rd and 4th position received Rs. 60,000, Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 20,000 respectively. Quarter finalist pocketed Rs. 5000 each.
SASA general secretary Vilekho Bio chaired the inaugural programme while presidential address was delivered by SASA president Er. Zale Neikha and oath to wrestlers was administered by SASA wrestling secretary, Zaprani Mekro.
Meanwhile, the National Free Style wrestling will be held on Friday, wherein the champion in every category will get Rs. 6000 and runner-up will get Rs. 4000. Prize of junior/cadet category is set at Rs. 4000 for winner and Rs. 2000 for runner-up.
Need to promote Naga Wrestling: Dr Kire
Morung Express News
Kohima | January 28
Commemorating the 54th Wrestling Meet of the Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA), 76 Wrestlers from the Southern Angami region participated in the Naga style wrestling championship which got underway here today.
The inaugural function was graced by Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire, Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, as Chief Guest and Vikho-o Yhoshü as Guest of honour.
In his speech, Dr. Kire stressed on the importance of Naga wrestling as an indigenous sport which has gained immense popularity among the people but at the same time continues to confine itself only among the Tenyimi tribes. Talking about the need to promote the sport, Dr. Kire emphasized on documentation of theoretical and practical knowledge to impart it to the younger generation and further suggestions were given on improvising the indigenous wrestling and introduction of weight category system. As a medical practitioner, Dr. Kire also outlined the physical consequences that wrestlers suffer due to the absence of weight categories in the unique feature of the Naga wrestling where wrestler can wrestle with an opponent of any weight.
The minister asserted the need of wrestlers to stress more on physical fitness rather than concentrating on their diet, viewing that diet will not improve their performance in the ring. If wrestlers strive to keep fit physically, their physical agility as well as prowess will advance, affirmed Dr. Kire.
In conclusion, the Minister reminded the wrestlers that winning is important but not as important as participation and the display of sportsmanship.
