Wokha, Sept 27: Under the patronage of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), the Lotha Wrestling Association (LWA) in collaboration with the NWA today launched a Curtain Raiser program for 10 days long Intensive Wrestling Training Camp 2024 at VDB Hall, Wokha Town.
NWA President Vivolie Kezo gracing the Camp as Special Invitee, stress the importance of wrestling which is of traditionally practiced games/sports by forefathers since times immemorial specially in the context of the Nagas adding it is also part of peace making process where quarrels and confrontations are settled through wrestling during the time of our forefathers and is preseved and protected till date.
Urging upon the Lotha Community to strictly ponder the importance of wrestling where belt style wrestling which is quite similiar with Naga style is the competition events in the International level as well. Kezo also informed that training such as this for the Pochury Wrestling Association (PWA), Rengma Wrestling Association (RWA), Sumi Wrestling Association (SWA) and few others are in the pipeline in the month of October 2024 adding that seperate State level Naga Style wrestling championship for non-practised wrestling communities, apart from NWA present affiliated units (Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang) is in plan to organized probably in the month of March 2025 and urged the Lotha youths to be prepared and be part of the propose championship. Kezo further informed that Nagaland style wrestling is inline to be introduced during the Asian Alysh Belt Wrestling Championship scheduled in the month of November 2024 adding more than 20 nations across the globe already confirmed for their participationK where Kezo urged all Nagas to be part of that championship as well.
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Kezo is fully optimistic that the trainees will be motivated with zeals and enthusiastics and act as ambassadors of wrestling in the entire Lotha community set up and furthermore.
Kezo coveyed it’s gratefulness to Dy. CM Y. Patton for his unwaivering and logistic support in all aspect of the NWA pursuance and look forward of his continuous support in the future. Credit is also extended to all other Lotha legislators and its officers for their unflinching support.
Kezo on behalf of the NWA convey it’s Special Invitation to the LWA wrestlers to be part of the forthcoming 17th International Naga Wrestling Championship 2024 tentatively scheduled on 4 December 2024 at Khouchiezie and further suggest that the best wrestlers from the camp be provided an opportunity for the said Championship.
Approximately 20 wrestlers from several Ranges were registered to be part of the 10 days camp along with management officials.
NWA prominent wrestlers Visevo Zhasümo, Thepukhoyi Swuro and Hangche-u Zeliang were assigned as the Coach/Trainer for the 10 days camp.
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The LWA President Mharhomo Lotha in his Presidential note, fervently appeals all the citizens of the Lothas to come forward and take forward wrestling and aimed at catching up with the NWA events and also to move ahead in the National and international arena as well. Sharing it’s interest in the wrestling Mharhomo further appeal NWA to give all possible assistance in the form of technical and other procedural follow up. Expressing it’s confidence that with the launching of the training camp, the Lothas will be greatly motivated and move forward to a higher level in the near future.
Meanwhile, the curtain raiser for the wrestling training camp was chaired by Bichano Murry, Women Coordinator LWA, Zubeni B Kinghen, Women Pastor, VBE invoked God’s s blessings. Short speeches were delivered by Limhathung N Yanthan, President, Lotha Youth Hoho, Chibenthung P Kikon, President, Wokha Village Youth Organization, while Mhademo Jungio, Youth Director, WTBC pronounced a closing prayer.