Wokha, September 27: Under the patronage of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), the Lotha Wrestling Association (LWA), in collaboration with the NWA, launched a Curtain Raiser program today for the 10-day Intensive Wrestling Training Camp 2024 at VDB Hall, Wokha Town. The event was highlighted in a press release by Kuzhovesa Soho, Joint Secretary of the NWA.
NWA President Vivolie Kezo, gracing the event as the Special Invitee, emphasized the importance of wrestling, a traditional sport practiced by Naga forefathers since time immemorial. He noted that wrestling was not only a sport but also a means of resolving disputes, where quarrels and confrontations were settled through wrestling. Kezo highlighted that this tradition has been preserved to this day.
He urged the Lotha community to recognize the significance of wrestling, particularly belt-style wrestling, which shares similarities with Naga-style wrestling and is also an event at the international level. Kezo further informed that training camps for the Pochury Wrestling Association (PWA), Rengma Wrestling Association (RWA), and Sumi Wrestling Association (SWA), among others, are planned for October 2024. He also mentioned plans for a separate state-level Naga-style wrestling championship for non-practicing wrestling communities, apart from the current NWA-affiliated units (Angami, Chakhesang, and Zeliang), possibly in March 2025, urging Lotha youths to prepare for the event.
Kezo announced that Naga-style wrestling is set to be introduced during the Asian Alysh Belt Wrestling Championship in November 2024, with over 20 nations confirmed to participate. He encouraged all Nagas to be a part of this championship.
Expressing optimism, Kezo said he believes that the trainees will be motivated and act as ambassadors for wrestling within the Lotha community and beyond. He conveyed his gratitude to Deputy CM Y. Patton for his unwavering support and extended credit to other Lotha legislators and officials for their contributions. Kezo also invited LWA wrestlers to participate in the upcoming 17th International Naga Wrestling Championship, tentatively scheduled for December 4, 2024, at Khouchiezie, suggesting that the best wrestlers from the camp be selected for the championship.
Approximately 20 wrestlers from various Ranges have registered for the 10-day camp, which will be led by NWA wrestlers Visevo Zhasümo, Thepukhoyi Swuro, and Hangche-u Zeliang, who have been appointed as coaches for the event.
In his presidential address, LWA President Mharhomo Lotha appealed to the Lotha community to embrace wrestling and aspire to compete in NWA events, as well as on the national and international stage. He expressed his hope that the NWA would continue to offer technical and procedural support. Confident in the success of the training camp, Mharhomo believes the Lothas will rise to greater heights in the near future.
The Curtain Raiser was chaired by Bichano Murry, Women Coordinator of LWA, with Pastor Zubeni B Kinghen of VBE offering the invocation. Short speeches were delivered by Limhathung N Yanthan, President of Lotha Youth Hoho, and Chibenthung P Kikon, President of Wokha Village Youth Organization. The event concluded with a prayer by Mhademo Jungio, Youth Director of WTBC.