Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 15 (EMN): Thenyizu Wrestling Institute (TWI) under Khelo India Centre was on Tuesday inaugurated by the Secretary of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS), Wezope Kenye at Multipurpose Hall, Thenyizumi village under Phek district.
Delivering a speech during the inauguration programme, Kenye said Venuzo Dawhuo is setting new trends and breaking stereotypes- bringing laurels and glory to the community and encouraged the people to take up sports not just as a hobby but even as a career.
He stated that there are many success stories and it greatly inspires people, however in Nagaland, the state has so far produced only two Olympians.
“If we keep depending on someone for our success instead of working or struggling to be successful, we will never get there”, said Kenye.
He then highlighted the life story of Jamaican Olympian Usain Bolt and Mira Bhai Chanu and stated that “success does not fall on your plate on a silver platter. You have to work hard and struggle for it in whatever field you decide to choose”.
Kenye said one cannot succeed without sacrifices and hardwork.
Meanwhile, the official also stated that sports are a powerful tool to bring people together and unite them. He maintained that wrestling is a one-man game, but sports generally ignites the feeling of unity and teamwork among people and he exuded hope that with the introduction of the new wrestling institute, it would encourage to ignite the spirit of wrestling in other districts as well.
Further he said “Don't let it (Wrestling) revolve only around the Chakhesang, Angamis and Zeliang community. Introduce the sport on a state level and invite Nagas from every corner of Nagaland to be a part of this proud indigenous game of ours”.
Meanwhile, the Director of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS), Akumla Chuba in her speech informed that the Ministry of Sports has taken initiatives to set up 1000 Khelo India Centres (KICs) in all the districts of the country.
She added that 19 KICs have been taken up in the state, paving way for the players from the state to national level and stated that Venuzo Dawhuo will be the Ambassador for the Thenyizu Wresting Institute (TWI).
The director also maintained that Khelo India is an initiative that is an important beginning for the development of sporting culture and sports excellence in India, with an aim to scout talents from the grassroots by providing infrastructure.
Further , Chuba informed that the scheme provides a one-time grant of INR 5 lakh for renovation/ purchase of sports equipement along with INR 2 lakh for coaches fees.
Meanwhile, President of Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA), Ringa delivered greetings and stated that the institute is not only for Thenyizu but will benefit the Chakhesangs and Phek district as a whole.
Pointing out that the Government of India is taking keen interest for the promotion of sports, he urged the government for early implementation of ‘Nagaland State Sports Policy which is not yet officially announced’.
The president said wrestling is not just a sport but the Chakhesang takes it as part of the culture and identity. He hoped that the facility grows further and push the younger generations to a higher level.
He maintained that the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) has written an appeal letter to all schools within the Chakhesang areas both government and private schools to introduce wrestling in their annual sports meet so that the younger generation take it up on professional level when they grow up.
Meanwhile, the CWA president pointed out that the students at sports academy in Kohima face problems to participate in tournaments as schools are not willingly allow the students to go out without leave.In this regard, he suggested that the concerned department to sit with the department of School Education and upgrade the GMS Meriema to that of a high school or higher secondary school to facilitate the problem of the students from the academy.
Also, president of Chokri Area Wrestling Association (CAWA), Vezhoduyi Thisa, shared that Thenyizumi Wrestling Institute under Khelo India should be an ‘Achiever Institute’ with visions.
Further he also called for concerted efforts of all stakeholders for the development of the institute to produce champions, and support the institute so that it could excel and bring laurels.
Experience was shared by Venuzo Dawhuo, Coach, Thenyizu Wrestling Institute (TWI).