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Our Correspondent
Kohima, April 5 (EMN): As many as 77 wrestlers have registered till date to compete in the 13th Open Naga Wrestling Championship organised by the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), scheduled to be held on April 9 at Khouchiezhie in Kohima.
Addressing a press conference at NWA office, AMK building on Monday, NWA president, Dr. Hiabe Zeliang along with his office bearers said the preparation was in ‘good progress’.
It informed that 57 wrestlers had registered so far for 'below 80 Kg category' and 20 wrestlers for 80 kg and above category'.
Veterans and prominent wrestlers like reigning NWA champion Venuzo Dawhuo; reigning 12th Open Naga Wrestling Champion Menuosetuo Yiese; former NWA champion Vechita Khesoh; former Open Naga Wrestling Champion Dzieselatuo Keretsu; former Zeliang Wrestling Association (ZWA) Nlumrai Hegwang; Kezhavizo Thevo; Vekuzo Vezhu, Kekhriezo Nagi among others are slated to participate in this year’s edition.
Besides, this year's edition will also witness two new participants -- Thechamo N Murry from Lotha community who weighs 72 Kg from Wokha village, and Yimkum Sashi from Ao community who weighs 78 Kg from Nokpu village in Mokokchung -- to step into the ring against the wrestling tribes.
Meanwhile, the NWA has also extended the last date for submission of participation forms till April 6 for the wrestling tribes (Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang) while others ie non-wrestling tribes, other nationals/ neighbouring states will be indefinite, till the wrestling day.
For the first time, pay-per-view will be introduced in the open Wrestling Championship and the NWA has expressed hope that it would satisfy the wrestling lovers from across the world to watch.
The arrangements are being made by the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) through the Information Technology (IT) department.
Wrestling fans can watch the event online or download mobile apps available on both iOS and Android, wherein all internet banking facilities will be enabled to pay and watch.
Further the NWA has also appealed to the wrestling fans to be mindful of their car parking in order to minimise traffic congestion.In this regard, it has appealed to the spectators in Kohima town to “come walking “to give space for parking for those coming from outside the state capital.
NWA has informed all wrestlers that there will be weight measurement on April 8 from 12 noon till 3 pm at Local ground and has informed that the particulars of the wrestlers must be completed and finalised on the same day.
It had informed all the tournament officials to report to the ground for a briefing session on April 8 at 2 pm.
It added that all quarter finalists of both the categories would automatically qualify for the ultimate champion round.
Winners for both categories -- below 80 kg and 80 kg and above -- will walk away with a cash prize of INR 50,000; INR 30,000; INR 20,000; and INR 15,000 for the first, second, third and fourth positions respectively.
While the ultimate champion will receive INR 1.70 lakh, second ultimate position INR 1.20 lakh, third ultimate position INR 1 lakh, and the fourth ultimate position INR 70,000.
Meanwhile, minister for Planning And Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu will grace the occasion as special guest while advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, Zale Neikha will be the inaugural guest.
The 13th Open Wrestling Championship 2021 will be hosted by the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) and the ground will be managed by the Chakhesang Christian Revival Churches Youth Association (CCRCYA).
Meanwhile, CCRYCA informed that moudi, food packs, fast-food will be made available, while there will also be a lucky draw. IT was informed that there would be a big LCD screen displayed on the ground for spectators to watch.