Rs.50 Crore approved for construction of world class stadium at Tsiesema
Venuzo Dawhuo emerged winner of the 14th open Naga Wrestling Championship, making him the only fighter to win the Open Naga Wrestling Championship three times and also defend his title after winning the 13th Open Naga Wrestling Championship.
The event was organised by Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), hosted by Zeliang Wrestling Association (ZWA) and co-hosted by Kuda Village Council (KVC), at Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex (MDSC), on Saturday, here at Dimapur.
Addressing the gathering as the special guest, Deputy Chief Minister and minister of planning & transformation and national highway, TR Zeliang stated that Naga Wrestling was practiced by the Naga forefathers since time immemorial, however Naga Wrestling started only during the 1960’s under the banner of Federal Government of Nagaland.
He cited that that the first legitimate Naga Wrestling Board was formed in 1969 and later renamed to Nagaland Wrestling Association.
Lauding the NWA for successfully organizing the championship, he stated that the association is a well-structured and prominent organization focusing on improvement of the traditional game to take forward different styles of wrestling to greater heights.
On the cash prize of the tournament, he considered the gesture as a remarkable indication of promoting wrestling in the state.
Acknowledging that the event was organised outside state capital for the first time, he opined that the movement was a good start, adding that people from outside Kohima must also be given the opportunity to learn and witness the beautiful game passed down by ancestors.
He further appealed to the three units of NWA, Angami Sports Association, Chakesang Wrestling Association, Zeliang Wrestling Association, to work wholeheartedly as a unified body to promote not only wrestling, but other fragmented sports organizations in the state.
Zelaing also informed the gathering that the state government has been providing constant support to NWA by granting annual grant in aid through Youth Resource and Sports department, besides providing logistic support and financial assistance during various foreign trips while representing India.
He also revealed that the state government recently approved Rs 50 Crore for construction of a world class stadium at Tsiesema under Kohima district, by acquiring 14 acres of land.
He reminded the younger generations on how sports play an important role in overall development of human lives.
Urging them to make sports an integral part of their life, he said, “A good education system is not based only on development of the mind but is equally focused on the development of physical body.”
Zeliang cited the examples of Dr T Ao who was the flag bearer for the Indian contingent at London Olympics and encouraged participants to always aim higher.
Hoping that the 14th NWA event organized for the first time outside Kohima would be a starting point to strengthen unity of not only three units of NWA, but Naga people in general, he said, “It is high time that Naga people unite and march forward in unison and I am hopeful that this event will be an inspiration for our people to move forward for progress and development in our land.”
Earlier, the programme was chaired by general secretary, NWA, Vilekho Bio; invocation by pastor, Kuda Village Baptist Church, Ruopfüzhalie Nagi, greetings by president, NWA, Dr Hiabe Zeliang and a special song by Thejasier Khate.
A total of 56 wrestlers participated in the 14th Open Naga Wrestling Championship, of which, one wrestler each were from Ao, Suni, Lotha. A non-Naga wrestler also participated.
Winners of the 14th Open Naga Wrestling Championship will walk away with a cash prize of Rs. 2.1 lakhs, Rs. 1.6 lakhs, Rs. 1.1 lakhs and Rs. 80 thousand for the First, Second, Third and Fourth winners respectively, along with citation, whilst quarter finalists will walked away with Rs. 10,000 each and citations.
