Under the patronage of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), the Sumi Wrestling Association (SWA) launched its 10-day Intensive Wrestling Training Camp 2024 today at Town Hall, Pughoboto Town. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the SWA and the NWA to promote wrestling within the community.
NWA Vice President (General) Viketouzo Meyase attended the camp as a special invitee and emphasized the significance of wrestling, a sport traditionally practiced by our forefathers. He highlighted how sports have the power to unify people, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and contributing to societal progress and enhanced human experience.
During the event, Meyase shared the NWA’s remarkable performance at the AITWPF 12 National Traditional Wrestling & Pankration Championship 2024, held in Dehradun from October 3 to 6. The NWA secured an impressive 54 medals, setting a historic record for the organization.
Meyase informed attendees about the upcoming Asian Belt Wrestling Championship, scheduled to take place in Kohima city from November 17 to 23, 2024. He noted that two nations from Africa, three from Europe, and over 20 from Asia have already confirmed their participation. However, he cautioned that unforeseen circumstances could lead to the event’s postponement. He also mentioned that the Naga style of wrestling is set to be included as a medal event in the Asian Championship under specific categories. He urged the Sumi community to actively engage in the NWA’s championships and events.
In addition to the current training camp, Meyase highlighted that the Lotha Wrestling Association (LWA) and Pochury Wrestling Association (PWA) have already completed their camps, while the Rengma Wrestling Association (RWA) camp is ongoing until October 24. Other camps are being planned, including a separate state-level Naga style wrestling championship for non-practicing wrestling communities, apart from the NWA’s affiliated units (Angami, Chakhesang, and Zeliang). He encouraged Sumi youths to prepare for and participate in this proposed championship.
Meyase expressed confidence that the trainees would be motivated and enthusiastic, acting as ambassadors of wrestling within the Sumi community and beyond. He extended a special invitation to SWA wrestlers for the 17th International Naga Wrestling Championship 2024, tentatively scheduled for December 4 at Khouchiezie, suggesting that the best wrestlers from the camp be given the opportunity to compete.
Approximately 26 wrestlers, including five women, have registered for the camp, alongside management officials. Notable NWA wrestlers Kewecholo Akami, Rüüzetuo Visienyü, and Puikube Zeliang have been designated as coaches for this training initiative.
In his presidential address, SWA President N. Kitoshe Kiho asserted that wrestling has long been a part of Sumi culture but has faded into the background due to the rise of modern sports. He expressed gratitude to the NWA for its continued support and emphasized that the formation of the SWA in July 2024, along with this training camp, aims to revive the wrestling tradition among the Sumi people.
According to SWA officials, the association plans to reach out to various Sumi areas post-camp, engaging the participants in motivating other Sumi youths to connect with the wider Naga wrestling community.
The inaugural program was chaired by Tokiho Swu, General Secretary of the SWA, with Kipitoli Shohe, Associate Pastor of PTBC, invoking blessings. The event included greetings from Hokiqhe Sheqi, Vice Chairman of the Pughoboto Adhoc Town Council, and a note of gratitude from Khumtsa Swu, Vice President of the SWA, followed by a mass prayer and the formal launch of wrestling activities on the mat.