Dzieselatuo Keretsü from Industrial village, Razhüphe, emerged as the champion of the first ever Dimapur District Wrestling Association (DDWA) meet, held at Dimapur District Sports Complex, here Wednesday.
Dojolhü Shijoh and Pfüsato Tetseo bagged the first and second runner-up positions respectively. Winner of the meet pocketed a cash prize of Rs, 60,000, the second and third runner-up received Rs 50,000 and 40,000 respectively while the quarter finalists were awarded Rs 2,000 each along with certificates. Speaking as chief guest during at the inaugural programme, Zhaleo Rio MLA congratulated the DDWA team for hosting the game in the Dimapur for the first time.
He expressed happiness that the popular Naga wrestling was gaining more ground as apart from the Tenyimia union constituents tribes, wrestlers from other communities including Lotha and Tangkhul had also participated in some recently held tournaments.
Lamenting over the issues that had cropped up from various quarters in regard to hosting the game by DDWA in Dimapur, Zhaleo said it was pertinent that the game be popularized and introduced even in other districts as the game was indigenous to the Nagas.
He urged the conflicting parties to come together and address the confusions and suspicions amicably so that through unity sport could be promoted and that Dimapur would become a haven for promotion of sports of various disciplines.
He also said that the game should not be confined only to the currently participating tribes but suggested organizing wrestling at various district level tournaments.
Adding although there were other Olympic games followed by players in the state, he said, since Naga wrestling was a home grown game; people should preserve their identity, culture and way of life through this game.
He praised the present wrestlers in maintaining discipline not just in the arena but even in their daily conducts. Zhaleo also expressed hope that in the future even the tribes, apart from the ones participating, would come forward and promote the indigenous game. He wished all the players success and declared the meet open.
Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur Kesonyü Yhome, who was the guest of honour, in his brief speech called on the players to be more committed in maintaining good and healthy eating habits.
He said although Nagas were blessed with good physical features and talent, it still lacked in discipline. This, he urged the players to follow a healthy lifestyle, diet and physical activity all year round and not just during the sporting seasons.
Earlier, PBCC pastor Hopejoy Sharu offered the prayer for the event, Vekhosayi Nyekha delivered the president’s address.
In a bout of delight for all those wrestling fans who missed the 2016 edition of Naga wrestling meet, reigning champion Vechita Khesoh and runner up Vekuzo Vezhü took part in an exhibition match where four kids also took turns and entertained the crowd with their prowess in the game.
Early stage of the meet saw an attendance of more than 500 people which later grew into more than a thousand. And inspite of opposition from various quarters, the meet was conducted successfully as wrestlers from various tribes including, Angami, Chakhesang, Poumai and Zeliang battled it out for the coveted title.