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KOHIMA — The Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) announced on Sunday that the 29th NWA Championship will be held on March 26 at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS) in Kohima.
This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) office by NWA president Dr. Hiabe Zeliang in the presence of NWA officials and members from Botsa Baptist Church, who will be managing the ground.
A total of 54 top wrestlers from the constituent Angami Sports Association (ASA), Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA), and Zeliang Wrestling Association (ZWA), with 18 wrestlers each, will be competing for the championship.
The president informed that Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio would attend the event as the special guest, while Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang would be the guest of honour, and all Tenyimi legislators would be patrons.
Hiabe shared that the NWA is anticipating having the president of United World Wrestling (UWW) and the president of the World Alysh Federation (Belt Wrestling) at the championship as honoured guests. This move aims to promote traditional Naga wrestling as one of the recognised indigenous disciplines in UWW.
Mamho Chakruno, a nonagenarian from Chedema village, has been selected as the ambassador for the 29th NWA Championship. Chakruno garnered internet fame for his enduring love and passion for Naga wrestling.
The winner of the mega wrestling event will receive INR 3.5 lakh in total, along with the Lt. Velahü Puro Memorial Trophy and citations. The second-place holder will receive INR 2.20 lakh, the third-place holder will pocket INR 1.50 lakh, and the fourth-place holder will receive INR 1.20 lakh along with citations.
All losing quarter-finalists will receive INR 25,000 each, and the group champion will receive INR 30,000. It was also announced that the tenure of the NWA officials from 2020 to 2024 would conclude with this championship, and a new team would be announced.
Meanwhile, NWA general secretary Vilekho Bio informed that tickets for donors will be priced at INR 3,000, which admits one. For chairs, the prices are set at INR 1,000 and INR 500, while gallery tickets will be available for INR 100. It was also disclosed that the state government would facilitate a live telecast of the mega wrestling event. Additionally, pay-per-view (PPV) options are being considered, with finalisation pending.
It was also informed that car parking would be made available at the hockey ground with parking charges applicable.
Kechangulie Kense from the ground management team informed that all amenities and food will be made available at prevailing market rates. He mentioned that the management will collaborate with city bus and taxi operators to facilitate transportation for the public.
In response to a query, Dr. Hiabe stated that the Wokha District Wrestling Association (WDWA) has been granted provisional affiliation to the NWA, and they are currently under observation. Additionally, he mentioned that a request for affiliation was received from the Sumis of the Pughoboto area.
However, due to the NWA's constitution, which limits affiliation to communities or districts rather than specific areas, they were unable to be accommodated. Nevertheless, they were encouraged to mobilise at the district level or at the community level.