NWA selects 15 wrestlers for 1st World Naga Wrestling C’ship

Kohima, October 24 (MExN): The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) held selection trials for the 1st World Naga Wrestling Championship at Viswema Multipurpose Hall in Kohima district on Saturday, selecting 15 wrestlers to represent Naga wrestling at the international event scheduled in Goa from December 14 to 20.As per updates, the championship, featuring Alysh and Naga Wrestling, will be hosted by the All India Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Federation (AITWPF) with the NWA as co-host, and will see participation from over 20 countries.Addressing the inaugural session as special guest, Pele Khezhie, President of Nagaland Taekwondo Association recalled the efforts of past NWA leaders in popularising the traditional sport beyond Nagaland, including initiatives in the 1970s and 1980s by former NWA president Late Satuo Kuotsu, who collaborated with his Mizoram counterpart to introduce Mizo-Naga wrestling. He also recalled the efforts of Late Er Keneilhoulie Keditsu and his General Secretary Khupo Kezo during the 1990s and early 2000s, when Naga wrestling contingents travelled to mainland India for cultural exchanges, exhibitions and competitions.Khezhie acknowledged the contributions of successive NWA administrations, particularly the tenures of Neivikuolie Khatsü, Dr Hiabe Zeliang and present president Vivolie Kezo, for working towards recognition of Naga indigenous wrestling at national and international levels. He noted that several young wrestlers had represented India at various international platforms, winning medals and bringing recognition to the sport, and highlighted the significance of Naga wrestling's recognition by the Traditional Wrestling Association of India (TWAI), affiliated with United World Wrestling (UWW).Khezhie said the event marked a decisive step towards taking Naga wrestling beyond its traditional boundaries and onto the international stage. He urged wrestlers to uphold discipline, respect their coaches and seniors, and maintain the values associated with the traditional sport.In his keynote address, NWA President Vivolie Kezo said Naga wrestling was played among three tribes,  Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang for more than 50 years, and with the inclusion of provisional units including Sumi, Lotha, Rengma, Pochury, Chang and Sangtam tribes, nine Naga tribes are now actively participating in the sport.The inaugural programme, chaired by NWA General Secretary Kenlum Hemang, began with a prayer by Pastor Dzüvingol Sothu of Christian Revival Church, Viswema, and Rangsilang Ikierembe administered the oath to the wrestlers.The selection process featured 66 wrestlers across various weight categories in senior, under-17 and under-15 divisions. In the senior men's category, Keneiselie Khawakhrie (-74 kg), Nubasa Rhakho (-82 kg), Vevokho Rüho (-90 kg), Venuzo Dawhuo (-100 kg), Venü Vadeo (-110 kg) and Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü (110+ kg) were selected. In senior women's category, Vekhonielu Cürhah (-60 kg), Vizoseno Kiso (-66 kg), Cühülu Hiese (-73 kg) and Khrielhounuo Thevo (73+ kg) made the cut. Keviletuo Khro (-65 kg), Metseilhoukho Zhünyü (-72 kg) and Vidil Sachü (-80 kg) were selected in the under-17 boys' category, while Mhasikedo Vimerha (-54 kg) and Vemukre Puro (-60 kg) were picked in the under-15 boys' category.