Vuto Hyundai presents NagaWrestleMania-9 (King Of The Ring Series 2022) organised by 3E Nagaland under the aegis of Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) got underway at Hockey Ground IG Stadium Complex Kohima.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Govt of Nagaland, Associate Vice President of Athletics Federation of India & Secretary General Nagaland Olympic Association Abu Metha graced the inaugural session as Chief Guest.
Metha lauded 3E Nagaland for constantly promoting events that benefit the youth. Taking the example of Olympic star Mirabhai, he encouraged sportspersons to continue working hard to excel.
He also encouraged the organisers to explore possibilities of expanding the event to neighbouring states and countries.
Delighted to attend the Naga Wrestlemania 9. An international championship with participants from different regions including the United States.
Well done 3E for an excellent initiative and for constantly promoting events that benefit our youth. pic.twitter.com/xcbDoWUSE0
— abu metha (@abumetha) October 20, 2022
On the inaugural day, there were 43 contenders for the Lightweight Championship, including an international wrestler from the US.
In the finals of Lightweight Championship, Kevizhakho Suokhrie of Jotsoma Village, Kohima defeated his rival Azhalhou Kire of Gariphema Village, Kohima.
In the semi-finals, Kevizhakho Suokhrie defeated Seyiezhato Sano while Azhalhou Kire defeated Mülüsü Veswüh.
Mülüsü Veswüh won 3rd position while the 4th position went to Seyiezhato Sano.
US Wrestler Van Ceu Hmung who is the current Chin Lightweight Champion started the tournament strongly and reached the quarter-final where he was defeated by the eventual champion.
Day 2 will witness the much-awaited heavyweight Championship (80kg plus).
Three wrestlers from the US will be participating in this category. They are Biak Hmun Sang (Current Chin Heavyweight Champion, popularly known for defeating former Champion Rung Lian Ceu), Van Ceu Hmung (Current Chin Lightweight Champion) & Uk Lian Thang (Former Chin Heavyweight Champion).
It will also feature current Naga wrestling stars, comprising all the top three position holders of the last King Of The Ring Championship 2021: Menuosietuo Yiese, Kezhaseluo-o Pienyii and Kezhavizo Thevo.
The event is being streamed live on pay-per-view at 3enagaland.in for wrestling fans to watch from anywhere around the world. For wrestling fans from Kohima and nearby places, venue tickets are available on the event days.
Taxi service will be available between High School Junction and IG Stadium.
Naga wrestling is very popular amongst some tribes such as Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliangrong of Nagaland and also among the Mao, Maram and Poumai tribes of Manipur.
The main objective of the sport is to bring any part of the opponent’s body above the knee to the ground. Each wrestler wears a coloured cloth tied around the waist. Holding the opponent’s waist-binder with both hands, the wrestler must attempt to topple the other onto the ground.
Traditionally, there were no weight category. However, in recent times, weight categories have been introduced in some tournaments. Matches are usually of three rounds and assisted by five referees.
