The Nagaland arm wrestling team bought glory to the state by winning 14 medals during the 3rd National Armwrestling Championship held in Karnataka, Bangalore from 18 to 21 May 2023. The 3-day event was organised by BCAI (National).

Vethozo Lohe who bought glory to the state last year by winning 3 gold medals has made his way higher by winning 4 gold medals again this year in youth/senior left/right.

Player, team captain and coach Neli Dominic mentioned that all the winners are selected for World Championship in Malaysia. During a conversation, he mentioned that Nagaland is still very young in this sport so there was no support from government or any other departments which is why it was challenging.

Since our state is still new to this sport and Armwrestling is not included in the Olympics, Dominic said, adding that the team did not have any idea who to approach for help in this matter. He said not only for arm wrestling but “sadly our state has so many young, gifted athletes but due to the lack of support and financial problems most players can’t pursue their career in sports.”

With no support from the government or any department he stated that every player had been paying for their own travel expense and food as there did not get any financial support elsewhere.

He hoped the government will recognise Armwrestling in the Olympic in the near future and with their support they look forward to bringing more medals and make our Nagaland state proud.

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The medal winners follows:

1.Neli Dominic – 63 kg senior gold left/right (2 gold)

2.Vethozo Lohe – 78kg youth/senior left/right gold (4 gold)

3.Avilie Zuyie youth – 86 kg right gold left silver

4.Zizi Mongzar youth – 63kg left/right silver (2 silver)

5.Abhishek Pradhan – youth open weight gold

6.Thangboilal Saum – 78 kg juniors left silver

7.Kuvemuri Ringa – 70 kg senior left bronze

8.George Mero – 63 kg juniors left silver