Kohima: Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) president Vivolie Kezo, on Friday revealed that the Naga-style wrestling will be introduced during the Asian Alysh Belt Wrestling Championship in November 2024.
Over 20 nations, he said, has confirmed to participate in the championship. He made the announcement during the first intensive Wrestling Training Camp 2024, organised by the Lotha Wrestling Association (LWA), under the patronage of the NWA, at the VDB Hall in Wokha Town.
As the special invitee, he highlighted that wrestling has traditionally served as a means of resolving conflicts among the Nagas and remains a vital part of their heritage.
Kezo urged the Lotha community to recognise the importance of wrestling, noting that belt-style wrestling closely resembles Naga-style wrestling and is recognised in international competitions.
Kezo also announced that training camps for other wrestling associations, including the Pochury Wrestling Association (PWA), Rengma Wrestling Association (RWA), and Sumi Wrestling Association (SWA), are planned for October 2024.
He revealed plans for a state-level Naga-style wrestling championship for non-affiliated wrestling communities in March 2025, encouraging Lotha youths to prepare for the event.
Kezo expressed optimism that the trainees would become ambassadors for wrestling within the Lotha community. He also extended gratitude to Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton for his unwavering support of the NWA, as well as appreciation to Lotha legislators and officials for their continued assistance.
He invited LWA wrestlers to participate in the forthcoming 17th International Naga Wrestling Championship, tentatively scheduled for December 4, 2024, at Khouchiezie, suggesting that the best wrestlers from the camp be given the opportunity to compete.
Approximately 20 wrestlers from various ranges have registered for the 10-day camp, which will be led by prominent NWA wrestlers Visevo Zhasümo, Thepukhoyi Swuro, and Hangche-u Zeliang, who will serve as coaches.
In his presidential address, LWA President Mharhomo Lotha urged the Lotha community to actively engage in wrestling, aiming to catch up with NWA events and advance on national and international platforms. He expressed confidence that the training camp would inspire greater participation in wrestling among the Lothas.
The event was chaired by Bichano Murry, Women Coordinator of LWA, with a prayer invoked by Zubeni B Kinghen, Women Pastor of VBE. Limhathung N Yanthan, President of the Lotha Youth Hoho, and Chibenthung P Kikon, President of the Wokha Village Youth Organization, also delivered short speeches, while Mhademo Jungio, Youth Director of WTBC, pronounced the closing prayer.
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