Members of the Chin Warriors wrestling team who had participated in NagaWrestleMania-9 organised by 3E Nagaland expressed hope that it won’t be long before they wrestle each other again.
Speaking to Nagaland Tribune, Salai C Vanramdinmawi, an official of Chin Warriors, said: “I hope in another year or so, maybe in Nagaland and maybe in USA or Maybe in Chin State or maybe in Lai Council area of Mizoram, the Chin wrestler and the Naga wrestler will surely compete again.”
In the recently held NagaWrestleMania-9, three wrestlers from Indiana, USA had participated – Biak Hmun Sang (Current Chin Heavyweight Champion, Van Ceu Hmung (Current Chin Lightweight Champion) and Uk Lian Thang (Former Chin Heavyweight Champion).
Salai was all praise for the Naga wrestlers saying, “The Naga wrestlers are much stronger and taller than the Chin wrestler. They have Naga skills. They have confidence.”
He added that the Chin wrestlers would need a Naga Coach if they were coming to compete with the Naga wrestlers again.
The organizers too came in for special praise from the Chin Warriors official: “The organisers are very good in organizing the event. Everything is in the right place.”
Read more: NagaWrestleMania-9: Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü of Kohima Village is the new King-of-the-Ring
Salai also said their wrestlers enjoyed the event although they lost to the Naga wrestlers.
Amidst the controversy that arose regarding the marathon 1hr 45min semi-final match, he said: “I don’t have any negative comments about the event. Some Nagas may have the negative comments about the long-lasting wrestling between the curly hair and others. But we the Chin wrestlers and media person thought that in wrestling every person have the right to defend from others and unless he crosses the wrestling rules.”
Read more: Marathon 1 Hr 45 Min Semi-Final Match during NagaWrestleMania-2022 Draws Sharp Criticism
Khrievotuo Sekhose, an expert who had also coached a Chin wrestler in the past, said: “All due respect to the chin wrestlers from the USA. They are showing their quick improvement. They gave their best and that’s what really matters; wish to see them again.”
Kethosituo Mepfhuo, Managing Director of 3E Nagaland, in a Facebook post paid tribute to the US Wrestlers saying, “Win, lose, it doesn’t matter. Wrestling is all about brotherhood and friendship. You have enriched Naga wrestling with your presence and we are very grateful to all of you.”
The Chin wrestlers from the US also had an interactive session with Fit India Club, St Joseph’s College, Jakhama on 23 October.
The Chin people are from Southeast Asia, native to Chin State and its neighbouring states of Myanmar. The Chin are one of the founding groups – Chin, Kachin, Shan and Bamar – of the Union of Burma.
