Chumoukedima, 15 February (MTNews): The two-day Wushu competition kicked off as part of the ongoing 3rd Nagaland Olympic and Paralympic Games (NOPG) 2024 at Arena E, Chumoukedima on Thursday. A total of 52 participants from Dimapur, Peren, Phek, Mon, Shamator, Mokokchung, and Zunheboto, are participating in the championship.
7 female participants are participating in the Sanda event competition for the first time since Wushu was introduced in the previous edition of NOPG. It may be mentioned that Wushu Sanda is composed of Chinese martial arts applications, including most aspects of combat such as striking and grappling.
After completing the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds on the first day, the players are now set to compete for the gold medal on the second day.
In the 52 kg category, Vipu Zhimomi (Zunheboto) will compete against Wapang Ao (Zunheboto) in the final match. Meanwhile, Tulumatsung (Mokokchung) will play against Puthai Thai (Tuensang) in the final for the 85 kg category. In the 80 kg category, Vishal Sunar (Dimapur) will play against Lipokjongshi Imchen (Phek) in the final match. In the 56 kg category, Mankho (Mon) will play against Meidan I Phom (Zunheboto). In the 60kg category, Aboto Ayemi (Zunheboto) will play against Nupa Kiho (Phek); in the 65kg category, Emtiramok Amri (Mokokchung) will compete against Akivito (Phek); in the 70 kg category, Kekhrieneitso Angami (Dimapur) will play against Nchumthung Tungoe (Dimapur) in the 70kg category; and in the 75kg category, Temsu (Mokokchung) will compete against Yhoto Chizo (Zunheboto) in the final match.
For the women’s category, Deepasana (Dimapur) will play against Youngtsula (Shamator) in the 60kg final. Meanwhile, in the 45 kg category, Bwensin Seb (Peren) will play against Temsurenla (Mokokchung) in the final match; and Mahima Mech (Zunheboto) will take on Kivikali (Zunheboto) in the final match of the 56 category.
At the inaugural ceremony, the championship was officially opened by the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chumoukedima. In his brief address, he encouraged athletes not only to strive for personal excellence but also to be champions for the community. He urged participants to excel not only in sports but also to become responsible citizens, highlighting the scarcity of such individuals and urging them to embody true sportsmanship and contribute to society. Neidilhoutuo Neibu Sechu, Vice President of the Nagaland Wushu Association, presided over the event, and the invocation was delivered by Musilo Nusory, Pastor CBC Seluophe.
During the valedictory function, Kudecho Khamo, MLA & Advisor CAWD & Taxes, and NWA president, will be present to grace the occasion during the closing ceremony on Friday afternoon.
