Arm wrestlers from Nagaland shine at 5th National C’ship, earn 8 medals

In a remarkable display of strength and skill, young arm wrestlers from Nagaland have made the state proud by securing an impressive total of eight medals at the 5th National Arm Wrestling Championship. The event was organized by the Board of Control for Armwrestling in India (BCAI) Federation, which was held in Bangalore from May 23 to 25.
The Naga team’s commendable performance saw them clinch three gold, three silver, and two bronze medals, across various age and weight categories.
Despite their stellar achievements on the national stage, financial constraints have raised concerns regarding their participation at the upcoming International Championship in Sweden. Addressing the media at Dimapur Airport, Pusing H. Longulqm, one of the medallists, revealed that the team had sought assistance from the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, but their request was denied due to arm wrestling not being an Olympic-recognized sport.
Longulqm noted that other states in India have been supporting their athletes, offering fixed cash awards Rs. 30,000 for gold, Rs. 20,000 for silver, and Rs. 10,000 for bronze medallists—irrespective of the sport’s Olympic status. In contrast, Nagaland’s arm wrestlers self-funded their trip to Bangalore, demonstrating exceptional dedication.
Expressing his concerns, he appealed to the Nagaland government for financial assistance to ensure that the team can represent Nagaland and India at the international level.
Nagaland medal winners at 5th National Arm Wrestling Championship are Seyievil Vitsu – Gold (Left Arm) & Silver (Right Arm) in Under-21 category; Walunir Ryan Imsong – Semi-finalist in Under-21, 78kg category; Nutsito Thuluo – Bronze (Left Arm) in Sub-Junior category; Pusing H. Longulqm – Silver (Left Arm) in Senior category; Karan Singh – Gold & Silver in Sub-Junior category; Vibo Nekha – Gold (Right Arm) in Youth category, 2nd place in Champion of Champions; Ruovisier Avir Sachii – Semi-finalist in Under-18 category; and Rezidi Mongzar – Bronze in Senior, 70kg category