Sumo wrestlers set to grapple at Sangai test
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 02 2018:
For the first time, Manipur Sangai Festival will feature Sumo wrestling and the credit goes to Salai Holdings Private Limited.
Speaking to some media persons at Hotel Marriott, London, Salai Holdings Private Limited chairman Narengbam Samarjit said that four Sumo wrestlers from Japan will demonstrate the world famous Sumo wrestling during this year's Sangai Festival which would kick off from November 21 at Imphal.
After a leader of the State Government expressed keen desire to present a few bouts of Sumo wrestling at the Sangai Festival, Salai Holdings received a letter from the Tourism Department conveying the same desire.
Subsequently the board of directors of Salai Holdings Private limited decided to bring Sumo wrestling to Manipur for the first time.
Responding to the fervent approach made by Salai Holdings Private Limited, the relevant association of Japan has agreed to send four Sumo wrestlers to Manipur Sangai Festival 2018 but it was no easy task to persuade the Japanese association and Sumo wrestlers to visit Manipur and present a demonstration of Sumo wrestling, Samarjit said.
It is estimated that not less than Rs one crore would be needed to host the four Japanese Sumo wrestlers and pay for Sumo wrestling demonstration for four days at the Sangai Festival, he said and added that all the money required for demonstration of Sumo wrestling would be paid by Salai Holdings Private Limited.
Salai International, Japan managing director Innui who was also present at the press meet said that four Sumo wrestlers will arrive at Imphal from Japan on November 21 and present Sumo wrestling demonstrations for three or four days either in morning or afternoon before leaving Imphal for Japan on November 25 .
Besides being a National game of Japan, Sumo wrestling is closely associated with the culture and heritage of Japan.
Considering the huge expenditure which would be incurred by the host if the full team of wrestlers and officials must come to Manipur, an agreement has been reached to bring only the four wrestlers while the work of officiating would be done by Manipuri officials, he said.
He conveyed that the Sumo wrestlers have already expressed their desire to meet Manipuri Mukna and Thang-Ta players during their stay at Imphal.
Other members of the Salai board of directors were also present at the press meet.