Despite the atrocious weather, a great number of spectators turned out to watch the first Naga Wrestling Championship here today, an initiative of the Naga Students Union in Shillong (NSUS).
There were 31 participants from 14 Naga tribes at the championship, which was organised by the Naga Elders Forum in collaboration with the Naga Wrestling Association (NWA).
The event was held here in Nongrim Hills and loud cheers echoed in the hall during every bout.
The wrestlers either wore a blue or red cloth around their waists and their aim was to topple their opponent and ensure that his chest, shoulder, back, buttocks or thigh makes contact with the ground. Traditional Naga wrestling is one of the oldest and most unique traditions of the North East tribe.
Kedokietuo Sirie from the Angami Naga tribe was crowned the champion, while silver was bagged by Ludeto Sapu from the Chakhesang Naga tribe. Another Angami Naga, Kevilhounyu Kuotsu, was the bronze medallist.
The chief guest of the event was All India Radio North Eastern Service project executive Ino Khriesaneisa Rutsa who was present along with officials of the NWA.
Rutsa mentioned how it is important for the wrestlers to keep their bodies holy, clean and sanctified. He added that Naga wrestling has an immense role in bringing unity between individual groups and tribes.
Stating that today’s event will go down in the history of the NWA since it is the first time that 14 tribes have participated, he added that this should become an annual event.
NSUS president Imeka Zhehoto Awomi confirmed that it is planned to make this an annual affair. The union was driven to organise the championship after seeing how Naga wrestling was fading as a practice among certain tribes.
“We should initiate such kinds of programmes so that we can boost up our other tribes who don’t participate. Today was a very positive turnout, which has never happened before,” Awomi added.
