Kohima, March 10 (EMN): With the completion of the Nagaland assembly elections, the focal point of discussion here in the Kohima has now shifted to the forthcoming Naga wrestling championship that has been scheduled for March 14 to the 15th in the town’s local ground.
This was informed by Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) officials during a press conference on March 10 in Kohima.
Unlike past tournaments when ‘Naga style’ wrestling used to be held on the first day, followed by freestyle, the NWA has introduced beginning from this year a new system to conduct ‘Naga style’ on the second day.
The idea to come up with the new category was solely to attract more spectators for freestyle wrestling, it was informed.
Putting an end to speculations among wrestling fans and devotees, it is now confirmed that the reigning Angami wrestling champion Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü will not be taking part in this year’s tournament.
Nineteen Kezhaseluo-o, who was supposed to make his debut at the NWA meet and is being considered one of the title contenders, opted out of the tournament owing to examinations.
Though all the federating units are yet to submit a final list of wrestlers, an ASA official told Eastern Mirror over the phone that their reigning champion won’t be taking part in the forthcoming edition.
Other than the ASA champion, it is expected that the event’s prominent wrestlers who had taken part in the editions would be entering the wrestling arena at Khuochiezie on Mar 15.
Rio to attend
Newly sworn-in chief minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio will attend the 26th NWA event as its chief guest on March 15.
Addressing a press conference on Mar 10, the NWA informed that the tournament will commence at 9 AM.
On day-one (March 14), at 10 AM, former president of the NWA Keku Zeliang will be the main guest.
Tournament officials to meet on March 13
The NWA has convened a meeting with all the tournament officials on March 13 at 2 pm at Kohima local ground.
Making it compulsory for all the tournament officials to attend the meeting, the NWA informed that it would even go to the extent of replacing an absentee if he/she fails to turn up without reasons.
It has also been informed that the weight measurement for freestyle would be done on March 13 at 2 pm.
