Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio graced the commencement program of the Khelo India University Games Ashtalakshmi (Wrestling) as the Special Guest at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on Friday, DIPR informed.
Addressing the gathering, CM Rio stated that Khelo India University Games are conducted to create aspirational values and with the highest standard and to promote sporting culture, create a strong interlink system of sports and education and boost infrastructure in universities.
Rio said that Nagas have been long been practicing their own way of wrestling and underscored for Naga people, wrestling is not only a form of entertainment but also for settling disputes and even creating friendships. He mentioned they do not wrestler as opponents but as friends. Rio also stated that despite the limited resources, Nagaland was doing its best in hosting the games.
Happy to be at the Commencement Ceremony of @kheloindia University Games (Ashtalakshmi) Wrestling. I warmly welcome our guests to Nagaland. The Univ. Games under the Khelo India Scheme has risen to the highest standards with 200 universities participating annually. pic.twitter.com/KQxoOKFM8W
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) February 23, 2024
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Advisor for Youth Resources & Sports, S. Keoshu Yimkhing while the program was chaired by Director, Youth Resources & Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose. The national anthem was performed by the 1 Naga Girls Battalion NCC Band.
The games began with the verification which was followed by the qualifications and repechages. The finals for various weight categories at the Khelo India University Games were also held during the day.
🤼♂️ Get ready to rumble! The wrestling extravaganza at #KIUG2023 kicks off today at the iconic Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima! 🏟️ Qualifications and repechage matches promise fierce competition as university athletes battle it out on the mats. pic.twitter.com/zukUA4YL8K
— Khelo India (@kheloindia) February 23, 2024
