Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 6 (EMN): Kedosie Nagi of Sazolie College emerged winner of the first biennial inter-collegiate Naga wrestling competition after defeating Azhalhou Kire from Alder College 2-1 in the final bout at Indira Gandhi Stadium on Friday.
Rokoviso Sechü from Baptist College and Avituo Nagi emerged the second and third runners-up respectively.
A cash prize of INR 30,000, INR 20,000, INR 15,000 and INR 10,000 respectively were given to the winners.
Earlier, addressing the inauguration, Advisor of Technical Education and Election, Medo Yhokha, said that the indigenous game has been evolving over the years. He added that the event would greatly boost the morale of the players and encouraged them to give their best while playing.
The advisor also urged the youths to look beyond government jobs and instead create opportunities for themselves and called upon the youths to take up the responsibility of building society.
He further informed that the government is framing various policies and programmes for sportspersons as well as constructing more infrastructures.
Dr. Hiabe Zeliang, President of Naga Wrestling Association said, ‘If Naga players dedicate themselves, they have the potential to compete with others at national as well as international level’. He further stressed on the need for consistency in both training and lifestyle of players as it is the main determining factor in the success of a sportsperson.
Sazolie College Principal, Dr. Kangzangding Thou informed that the discussion to hold the event started three years back but was kept on hold because of Covid.
The main intention was to promote the Naga sport among students as it would create opportunity for students to not just compete but also learn from each other. Educational institutions can play a significant role in promoting and preservation of Naga culture, he said.
The event was organised by Sazolie College, which was participated by about 29 wrestlers from 13 colleges across the state.