Dimapur: The 14th edition of open Naga wrestling and 1st belt wrestling championship 2023 organised by Naga Wrestling Association (NWA) got underway on Friday at State Stadium Dimapur with Timikha Koza, president of Tenyimi Peoples’ Organisation (TPO) as the inaugural guest.
The winners would receive INR 10,000 for gold, INR 7000 for silver and INR 5000 for silver along with citations. It may be mentioned that all the winners of various categories in the belt wrestling would automatically be qualified to represent the state at the national level.
The two-day event is being organised by Naga Wrestling Association (NWA), hosted by Zeliang Wrestling Association and co-hosted by Kuda Village Council.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Koza shared that there are many factors dividing Nagas today but wrestling is a sport which could bring unity among the Nagas. He encouraged the people to forget the past differences and come together to foster brotherhood. He stated that wrestling is one of the oldest sporting events practice among the Nagas devoid of violence.
“We must develop hands of friendship, live with each other and take forward the unity of the Nagas,” he stated, adding that “we must make this inclusive sports in the Naga society and invite others to come, enjoy and have fun with this sports. Our Naga tradition is pure, sincere and honest, and let this wrestling be a uniting factor,” he added.
Under 49 kg category (men), Tsuhveto Resuh was declared the winner, while under 54 kg Kezevikho Sachü was declared winner, under 59 kg Rhiwe Wetsa was declared winner, under 65 kg Seyiezhatuo Sano was declared winner, under 76 kg Keneiselie Khawakhrie was declared winner, under 85 kg Kevizhakho Suokhrie was declared winner, and under 100 plus kg Serayi Tetseo was declared winner.
In women category, under 49 kg Nosezonu Kuotsu was declared winner, while under 53 kg Razousanuo Puro was declared winner and under 63 kg above L Chitambala Devi was declared winner.