Our Reporter
Dimapur, June 21 (EMN): Two Naga wrestlers, Keduovilie Zumu and Nlumrai Hegwang, who won bronze medals in belt wrestling at the international sports festival “Pearl of Kyrgyzstan” at Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan arrived in Dimapur on Tuesday.
Upon their arrival at Dimapur airport, various associations, family and friends received and felicitated the two medalists.
In the tournament, Hegwang participated in the under 80 kg category and Zumu in the 80+ kg category, representing the All India Traditional Wrestling and Pankration Federation (AITWPF).
Speaking to journalists, Zumu acknowledged everyone who helped them morally, spiritually and financially in their journey.
He shared that the two were selected for the Asian championship, but before leaving they tested positive for COVID-19 and so they returned back.
“We were worried but God gave us another chance”, he said and added that they were thankful to the Indian Federation president for selecting them to represent India at the competition.
“This medal is not our achievement but because of your prayer and support we are able to achieve this medal, so thank you all,” he expressed.
Sharing about the competition, he said that since it was an international level, “the competition was tough but for God’s love we got the medal.”
Zumu, who is also the coach of Hegwang, shared that Hegwang was new to belt wrestling but his performance was “quite good”.
“If he practices hard, since he is still young, there is high scope and he can bring more medals,” he added.
The Finance Secretary of Zeliang Wrestling Associations, Itingngau Paul, president of Chakhroma GB Association Vitsora Kense, Keduolu Zumvü on behalf of Angami Sports Association, and Dibambo Zeliang, on behalf of Nagaland Police Sports officers, also spoke and congratulated the two wrestlers during the short felicitation programme.