Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, JANUARY 28
Veteran wrestler Visevo Zashümo of Phesama village Thursday emerged as the champion of the Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) 54th wrestling meet held at Kohima Local Ground.
Visevo, son of Solahie Zashümo, was declared the winner following his opponent Sahovi John Phinyo withdrew from the final bout due to injury. The 1st runner-up Sahovi, son of former Nagaland wrestling champ Lt. Vitan Phinyo, hails from Kidima village.
It may be mentioned that both Visevo and Sahovi were champions of their respective village wrestling meet.
Earlier in the semifinal, Visevo downed Viswema village wrestler Kulto Toso, son of Punei Toso, while Sahovi knocked down another Viswema wrestler Swedevil Vitsu, son of Vitsol Vitsu, in the semis.
The losing quarterfinalists were Khevizolie Zütso, Thinozakie Sale (Both from Kigwema), Kezhaleto Lese and Vikeduzo Tepa (Both from Mima), while the wrestlers who made it to the pre-quarter final were Vizali Toso, Tepudi Neikha (Both from Viswema), Neisakhoto Thorie, Kekhenito Kere (Both from Kigwema), Mezivil kiso (Kidima), Neidamo Leno (Mima), Neivolie Zashümo and Kedolhouse Kuotsu (Both from Phesama).
The champion walked home richer with a cash award of Rs. 80,000, while the second, third and fourth position winners received Rs. 60,000, Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 20,000 respectively. The losing quarterfinalists were given Rs. 5,000 each.
Earlier, speaking at the inaugural function as the chief guest, Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire said Naga wrestling is an important indigenous sport, however, he observed that though it has gained popularity amongst the Nagas and is upheld by the Nagaland Wrestling Association, it is still largely confined to the Tenyimi tribes.
Talking about the need to promote the sport, he said both theoretical and practical knowledge must be documented well and impart it to the younger generation.
The Minister also shared his thoughts that the indigenous style wrestling can be improvised and a weight category system can be introduced. The Naga wrestling does not have weight categories and a wrestler can wrestle with an opponent of any weight.
Kire observed that while this is a unique feature of the sport, from a medical practitioner’s point of view, there are physical consequences that wrestlers suffer. Towards this, he called upon all concerned to take it (introducing weight category system) as a challenge, not as an advice.
Meanwhile, the minister exhorted the wrestlers on the need to stress more on physical fitness rather than concentrating on their diet. He said the latter will not improve their performance in the ring.
“If wrestlers strive to keep fit physically, their physical agility as well as prowess will advance,” Kire stated.
While wishing the best to the SASA wrestlers for the tournament, he reminded them that winning is important but not as important as participation and the display of sportsmanship.
The 54th SASA meet will conclude on Friday with Dr. Neiketou Kiso, president Southern Angami Public Organisation as the patron. Day-two will witness free style wrestling for both seniors and cadets.
The selected wrestlers will represent SASA at the forthcoming Angami Sports Association (ASA) wrestling meet scheduled in the month of February.
