NWA observes prayer and blessing ceremony for its wrestlers
As the 10-member team from the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) is set to join the Indian Sports Contingent for the 5th World Nomad Games 2024, scheduled from September 7 to 15, 2024, in Astana, Kazakhstan, in the Belt & Mas Wrestling discipline, the NWA today officially held a Prayer and Blessing Ceremony for its athletes and officials at the NWA Office, Secretariat Road, Kohima.
According to a press statement issued by NWA Joint Secretary Kuzhovesa Soho, the following 7 wrestlers and 3 officials from the NWA will be part of the Indian Sports Contingent under the aegis of the All India Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Federation (AITWPF) for the Games in the Belt & Mas Wrestling discipline. The officials include Mitwatei Haibwang and Neivuolie Khatsü as coaches and Surhoneyi Soho as referee, while the 7 wrestlers are Venuzo Dawhuo (100 kg), Huluyi D. Vadeo (90 kg), Vethozo Lohe (80 kg), Nlumrai Hebwang (75 kg), Rokuokehie Khawakhrie (70 kg), Vizoseno Kiso (60 kg), and Nosezonu Kuotsu (55 kg).
NWA President Vivolie Kezo offered words of encouragement during the ceremony, while Vezokho Vero, Pastor of the Naga Shisha Hoho Prayer Centre, Prüzie, Kohima, blessed the participating team with prayers and words of faith.
According to reliable sources, the Games are expected to feature over 40 sports disciplines with approximately 3,000 athletes from 100 nations and an estimated audience of over 100,000 spectators.
The team will depart for Delhi from Dimapur at 2:00 PM on September 6 and is expected to fly from Delhi to Astana on September 7. The NWA team is anticipated to return to Dimapur on September 16.
The NWA has urged all wrestling enthusiasts and the Nagas in general to support the NWA wrestlers and officials with their prayers, hoping the team will return with honors and contribute to the advancement of wrestling.