Kohima, March 29 : Sports events in the north-east part of the country, especially in Nagaland, are looked upon as occasions to bring people close to each other and generate a brethren feeling.

Many sports enthusiasts in Nagaland recently converged here to witness the 6th Open Naga Wrestling Meet 2009 held in Kohima.

The wrestling meet with the theme, `Good Wrestling Encompasses Brain and Brawn', was held under the aegis of Angami Sports Association (ASA).

It provided a platform to bring Naga tribes together as the participating wrestlers built healthy relationships with their opponents during the competition.

"Wrestling is a game which unites. I've seen that people, young and old gather and witness the game. So wrestling can unite Nagas also," said Shürhoneyi, Naga wrestler.

"Naga wrestling traditionally built friendship and brought villages together. Now it has become more professional, but the spirit remains the same and the wrestlers share brotherly feelings and the champion is respected in every village. There are no bad feelings," said Roko John, one of the spectators.

Altogether, 125 wrestlers participated in the event.

Shürhoneyi Soho won the coveted championship title and a cash prize of Rs. 75,000, while the runners up got Rs. 50,000, Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 20,000 rupees respectively. Besides, 5,000 rupees each were also given to all the quarter finalists.

During ancient times, wrestling bouts used to be perceived as a show of physical prowess. But today, they serve as means of promoting talent for the State and national level championships. (ANI)