Naga Arm wrestlers Shine at National Arm Wrestling Championship

The 3rd National Arm wrestling Championship (BCAI) took place in Bangalore, Karnataka. The Nagaland team showcased a remarkable performance, with all participants winning medals in their respective categories, including the prestigious Champion of Champions (CoC) title. In total, the Nagaland team secured 14 medals.

Here is a breakdown of the Nagaland team’s outstanding achievements at 3rd National Arm Wrestling Championship:

1. Neli Dominic triumphed in the 63 kg senior category, securing gold medals in both the left and right arms (2 gold medals).
2. Vethozo Lohe dominated the 78 kg youth/senior category, winning gold medals in both the left and right arms (4 gold medals).
3. Avilie Zuyie, also known as Brown Munde, showcased excellent skills in the youth 86 kg category, earning a gold medal in the right arm and a silver medal in the left arm (1 gold and 1 silver).
4. Zizi Mongzar demonstrated remarkable performance in the youth 63 kg category, securing silver medals in both the left and right arms (2 silver medals).
5. Abhishek Pradhan emerged victorious in the youth open weight category, clinching a gold medal.
6. Thangboilal Saum displayed exceptional talent in the 78 kg juniors category, earning a silver medal in the left arm.
7. Kuvemuri Ringa showcased commendable skills in the 70 kg senior category, securing a bronze medal in the left arm.
8. George Mero exhibited great potential in the juniors 63 kg category, earning a silver medal in the left arm.

Vethozo Lohe, who brought great honor to the state last year by winning three gold medals, has once again achieved remarkable success by winning four gold medals this year in the youth/senior left/right categories.

Neli Dominic, the player, team captain, and coach, mentioned that all the winners have been selected to represent the country in the upcoming World Championship in Malaysia. However, he shared during a conversation that Nagaland is still in its early stages in this sport, resulting in a lack of support from the government and other relevant departments, making the journey quite challenging.

Dominic emphasized that since arm wrestling is not included in the Olympics and Nagaland is relatively new to the sport, the team had no clear direction on whom to approach for assistance. He expressed his concern, stating that not only in arm wrestling but in general, the state has a multitude of talented young athletes whose potential remains untapped due to the lack of support and financial constraints, making it difficult for them to pursue a career in sports.

He further revealed that without any support from the government or other departments, every player had been covering their own travel expenses and food costs, as no financial assistance was available elsewhere.

Dominic expressed hope that the government would recognize the significance of arm wrestling and include it in the Olympic Games in the near future. With their support, he and the team look forward to bringing home more medals and making the Nagaland state proud.