Wrestlers in action in the lightweight category on the first day of Vuto Hyundai presents NagaWrestleMania-9 (King Of The Ring Series 2022) organized by 3E Nagaland under the aegis of Nagaland Wrestling Association at Hockey Ground, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on October 20. Heavyweight championship will take place on October 21 from 12:00 noon onwards. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 20
Kevizhakho Suokhrie today emerged the coveted champion title of the lightweight category on the first day of Vuto Hyundai presents NagaWrestleMania-9 (King Of The Ring Series 2022) organized by 3E Nagaland under the aegis of Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) at Hockey Ground, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Altogether, 44 wrestlers joined the lightweight category. Apart from Tenyimia wrestling community, Rakesh Mahato of Bihari community, Sentilong Imchen of Ao community and Chin wrestler Van Ceu Hmung from USA vied for the coveted champion title.
Winners of lightweight category with 3E Nagaland officials and others on October 20. (Morung Photo)
Azhalhou Kire stood second position while Miiliisii Veswuh and Seyiezhato Sano bagged 3rd and 4th position respectively.
Sports of wrestling can unify Nagas- Abu Metha
Gracing the inaugural function, Abu Metha, advisor to Chief Minister, Associate Vice President of Athletics Federation of India & Secretary General of Nagaland Olympic Association stressed on the need to promote Naga wrestling to the higher level.
“I believe that the sports of wrestling can unify Nagas more than any other activities right now,” he said.
In Naga society, he said, wrestling is particularly popular among the Tenyimia community.
“We wrestle to celebrate the energy of the youth,” he said adding that wrestling brought the different community together.
Villages had festival of understanding and unity through wrestling in the earlier times and even misunderstanding and differences are sorted out in a fair match of wrestling, Metha said.
He maintained that the Naga community is blessed with the traditional of Naga style of wrestling, adding that it is one of our assets, and considered it as “priceless.”
Metha appreciated 3E Nagaland for organizing this wrestling championship and for bringing together many wrestlers from different parts of Nagaland and beyond the boundaries of the country.
About NagaWrestleMania
3E Nagaland managing director Kethosituo Elvis Mepfhiio said that NagaWrestleMania (King Of The Ring Series) was conceptualized by 3E back in 2012 with a view to give equal opportunities to wrestlers of different sizes and at the same time, retain the traditional system of open weight competition under the same platform.
Along the way, owing to different reasons, categories have been reduced to suit the availability of wrestlers, but we still feel there should be more categories to promote our traditional sport that we so passionately follow, he said.
However, he said, in order to do that, the system has to change and wrestlers as well as governing bodies need to have a broad-minded approach.
He strongly felt that Naga wrestling needs many many more tournaments in a year for wrestlers to flourish.
Wrestlers need to be divided into amateur and pro, so that wresters who seriously take up the sport as a profession can gradually develop themselves, he suggested.
He thanked Abu Metha and the Chief Minister’s Office for graciously accepting 3E invitation and also for extending help to the organisers in a number of ways in the run-up to the event, especially in facilitating the safe passage of Chin wrestlers from USA to Nagaland.
Earlier, Letuolie Pienyii, pastor CRC Pezielietsie invoked God’s blessing at the inaugural function while Seyiekruonuo Yhome presented a special number.
Dziivinguzo Mepfhuo administered oath to the wrestlers.
MLA Khriehu Liezietsu, Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) president, Dr Hiabe Zeliang and several other dignitaries also present at the inaugural function.
Heavyweight championship today
Meanwhile, Heavyweight championship will take place on October 21 from 12:00 noon onwards.
14 top wrestlers- Medosatuo Paiinuo, Mezivil Kiso, Keneisetuo Kire, Dzieselatuo Keretsii, Menuosetuo Yiese, Kezhaseluo-o Pienyii, Neizosetuo Kire, Vaphizo Rutsa, Dziesevolie Rutsa, Sukhure Domeh, Kezhavizo Thevo, Atuo Tevo including two Chin wrestlers from USA Biak Hmun Sang and Uk Lian Thang will compete for the championship.
Johnny Ruangmei, Joint Chief Executive Officer, Nagaland State Disaster Management Agency (NSDMA) will grace the opening ceremony as the special guest.
The event will be streamed live on pay-per-view at 3enagaland.in for wrestling fans to watch from anywhere around the world.
There will be only one category of venue ticket at Rs 300 (chair). As for PPV, tickets will be Rs. 300 per day.
