In a move to preserve Naga wrestling, an indigenous grappling sport, college students from Nagaland, competed at the 1st Bienniel Intercollegiate Naga Wrestling Competition organized by Sazolie college at the Indira Gandhi stadium in Kohima on Friday.
The one-day sporting event witnessed participation of 29 wrestlers from 13 colleges. At the inaugural ceremony, Principal of Sazolie College Kohima Dr Kangzangding Thou recalled how the idea to conduct the Naga wrestling event was brainstormed about three years ago. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was only organized this year as restrictions were lifted.
The aim of conducting the event, he said, was to promote the Naga indigenous sport among students from different colleges as the sporting event can be a good opportunity for the students to learn and compete in the grappling game.
Highlighting how educational institutions can largely contribute in the promotion and preservation of Naga culture, he said that indigenous sports like the Naga wrestling can be used as a knowledge source for tradition, art and crafts.
Advisor of Technical Education & Election, Medo Yhokha, who was the special guest of the event said that wrestling was one sporting event which has been evolving over the years.
As professional wrestlers attended the collegiate wrestling meet, Yhokha said that the presence of the wrestlers boosted will motivate the student wrestlers in pursuing the game.
The legislator also said that the sporting event has the potential to reflect the culture of the Nagas while promoting the indigenous sport.
As he addressed the student gathering, he encouraged them to explore various career options according to the present societal situation, rather than merely depending on government jobs for sustenance and instead create own opportunities.
As he goes on to advocate about the dignity of labour, he pointed out the need to harness the resources and potentials of the Naga youth and the need to further help them to achieve the best.
He revealed that the government is framing various policies and programmes for sportspersons and has plans to build more sports infrastructure in the state.
Meanwhile, 22 year-old Kedosie Nagi from Sazolie College Kohima emerged as the champion of the intercollegiate wrestling meet.
Kedosie defeated Azhalhou Kire from Alder College in the final bout. Rokoviso Sechü from Baptist College secured the third position while Avituo Nagi from Sazolie College took the fourth position.
While the winner walked away with a cash prize of Rs 30,000, the other winners each won Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.
During the award ceremony held later in the day, guest of honour, Dr Hiabe Zeliang, while lauding the initiative, said that if Naga wrestlers have the potential to compete at national and international wrestling events if they are committed.
While he encouraged players to be disciplined and hard working, he also stressed on the need to maintain consistency and have a balance both in training and in their lifestyle which are determining factors behind the success of a sportsperson.
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