KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 28: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that the State Government is serious about developing sports infrastructure and promoting sportspersons in the State for which the Government has established a sports battalion.
Speaking at the inaugural function of the much hyped 28th mains and 2nd Under-16 Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) meet at Khouchiezie Local Ground here, Rio said that to be a sportsperson there is no need for big infrastructure but one needs dedication, discipline, strength-building and stamina besides knowing the techniques of the particular discipline.
In this, Rio also reiterated that the State Government had decided to set up a police sports battalion in order to provide employment to sportspersons and also nurture sportspersons to learn the techniques of different disciplines from a young age.
The CM also informed that the Government in consultation with the NWA has already decided to construct an international standard indoor stadium with sitting capacity of around 15-20,000 for which land measuring more than 13 acres have been acquired.
Government will give the land and the Association has to take loan for which the Government will be the guarantor, he said.
It will not only be for wrestling but other events to accommodate huge crowds, he said.
Expressing happiness that NWA is promoting the U-16 category of Naga style wrestling, he hoped that it would give strength not only to the 3 wrestling tribes ~ Angami, Chakhesang and the Zeliang communities but also other Naga tribes.
He said that though only 3 tribes wrestle but other Naga tribes and non-Nagas, especially tourists, also enjoy the indigenous sports as spectators and Naga wrestling is the biggest crowd puller.
This body contact wrestling is the most popular wrestling as indigenous sports, said Rio while encouraging NWA to go and reach out to other tribes by way of giving coaching and training to be part of the indigenous sports.
Citing that currently with belt wrestling getting popular at the national and international levels, there are wider scopes for Nagas to achieve further heights, Rio asserted that the State Government would give grants to the NWA for providing coaching to other non-wrestling Naga tribes in the State to promote indigenous and belt wrestling.
Conveying best wishes, Rio also called upon the Naga wrestlers to give their best and continue to be proud of being the ambassadors of the indigenous Naga sports.
Also speaking as Guest of Honour, NPF MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu stressed on the need for the Nagaland Wrestling Association to broaden the horizon from Naga wrestling to other forms of wrestling and contact fights including belt wrestling and UFC.
He suggested formation of Nagaland Sports Federation to accommodate other events as well.
Meanwhile, Nienu expressed hope that such wrestling meet would continue to strengthen brotherhood among the Nagas.
NWA president Dr Hiabe Zeliang delivered the presidential address while general secretary Vilekho Bio chaired the programme which commenced with prayer by Pastor of Zeme Baptist Church Kohima Rev. Iringtie Kauring and NWA technical secretary Mitwatei Haibwang administered oath to the 78 wrestlers – 54 seniors and 24 juniors as well as the officials.
Former NWA president K Puro lit the championship torch while defending NWA champion & Chakhesang Wrestling Association champion Venuzo Dawhuo accompanied by Angami Sports Association champion Keshaseluo-o Pienyü and Zeliang Wrestling Association champion Nlumrai Hegwang, lit the championship flame.
(Page News Service)
