Under the patronage of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), the Rengma Wrestling Association (RWA), in collaboration with the NWA, today launched its 10-day Intensive Wrestling Training Camp 2024 at Town Hall, Tseminyu Town.
NWA President Vivolie Kezo graced the camp as a Special Invitee. He stressed the importance of wrestling, a traditional sport practiced by ancestors since time immemorial, particularly among the Nagas. He highlighted its role in peace-making, historically settling disputes through wrestling, a tradition preserved to this day.
Kezo also shared the story behind the formation of the RWA, expressing gratitude to all involved in its establishment.
Highlighting NWA’s recent achievements, Kezo mentioned their impressive performance at the AITWPF 12 National Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Championship 2024 in Dehradun from October 3 to 6, where NWA won 54 medals, setting a historic record.
He further announced the upcoming Asian Belt Wrestling Championship scheduled in Kohima from November 17 to 23, 2024, with participation confirmed from 2 African nations, 3 European nations, and over 20 Asian nations. Kezo emphasized that Naga-style wrestling would be featured as a medal event and encouraged Rengma youth to prepare and participate in the upcoming NWA championships.
Regarding ongoing and future training initiatives, Kezo mentioned that Lotha Wrestling Association (LWA) had recently completed its training from September 27 to October 8, Pochury Wrestling Association (PWA) was currently underway until October 16, and Sumi Wrestling Association (SWA) training would commence from October 21. He also mentioned plans for a separate State-level Naga-style wrestling championship in March 2025, open to non-practiced wrestling communities alongside existing NWA affiliated units (Angami, Chakhesang, and Zeliang), urging Rengma youths to prepare for this event.
Kezo expressed confidence that the trainees would be motivated and serve as ambassadors for wrestling within the Rengma community and beyond.
On behalf of NWA, Kezo extended a special invitation to RWA wrestlers to participate in the 17th International Naga Wrestling Championship 2024 tentatively scheduled for December 4, 2024, at Khouchiezie, suggesting that the best wrestlers from the camp be given the opportunity to compete.
Approximately 22 wrestlers from various ranges registered for the 10-day camp, alongside management officials.
Former NWA champions and tribal champions, including Venuzo Dawhuo, Menusetuo Yiese, Kezhaselu-o Pienyü, and Huluyi D. Vadeo, were also part of the program, along with representatives from the Sumi Wrestling Association (SWA).
Prominent NWA wrestlers Kevizhakho Suokhrie, Besuveto Cümu, and Kedingau were appointed as coaches for the 10-day camp.
In his Presidential note, RWA President Rhuchuyhung Seb expressed appreciation for NWA’s initiatives and its proposal to integrate the Rengmas into the NWA in the long term. He expressed confidence that the intensive training camp would motivate Rengma youths to excel and keep pace with other Naga communities in the future.
The opening remarks by the event leader highlighted the historical wrestling traditions of the Rengmas, which had been dormant for 70 to 80 years, and emphasized the camp’s role in reviving these ancient games and their cultural values.
The launch program for the wrestling training camp was chaired by Andrew Kent, Vice President of RWA. Senenlo Tep, Associate Youth Pastor of BBC, invoked God’s blessings. Short speeches were delivered by S Akhu Kath, Vice President of Rengma Sports Association, and Kegwalo Kent, General Secretary of RWA, who offered words of gratitude. The program concluded with a mass prayer followed by the wrestling mat’s official launch.