Arm-wrestler Hoshi pries Gold

Morung Express News
Kohima | July 13

With much enthusiasm and gaiety, friends and well-wishers of Vemugou Hoshi extended a hearty welcome when he returned from Kerala two days ago. Hoshi was returning home after winning the gold medal at  the recently concluded XXXIII National Arm-wrestling Championship 2009 which was organised by the Kerala Arm-wrestling Association (KAA) under the auspices of the Indian Arm-wrestling Federation (IAF), held at Kozhikode, Kerala, from July 2 to  the 7th.

Hoshi, who participated in  the 74kg category, was the only participant from Nagaland at the championship. Among those who welcomed the champion included members of Life Sports Ministry – his sponsors, based in Kohima – and Flex Appeal Gym.  Interacting with this correspondent this morning at Kohima, Hoshi said that he had finally fulfilled his long-cherished dream to win  gold at the national-level and be the first Naga to do so in arm-wrestling.

In other five consecutive championships, Vemugou Hoshi has 5 gold at the state-level. Prior to this, Hoshi also participated in the national championship. This is his fourth participation – Puri in 2004, Billai (Chhattisgarh) in 2005, Andhra Pradesh in 2006 and Kozhikode (Kerala) 2009.

Expressing happiness over the generous courtesy of the Director of Life Sports Ministry, Colo Mero, who came forward to sponsor him to participate in the championship, Hoshi said, on the recommendation of the IAF, an amount of Rs.98, 000 was to be submitted to the IAF by Life Sports on his behalf before July 20. This was for confirmation of Visa and to meet  other needs. 

Drawing the  attention of the state government, Hoshi said, “Presently there is no state organisation to take up this arm-wrestling profession.” Life Sports Ministry, for the first time in the history of the state could fortunately produce  a gold medallist. This should not be taken lightly. Rather, encouragement should be given. Already recommended to participate in the World Arm-wrestling Championship scheduled to be held at Rosilina Mare and Porto (Rovigo), a city neighbouring Venice in North Italy, from September 6-13 this year, Hoshi hopes that the state government will come forward to assist at the earliest.

Hoshi candidly goes on to say that the government, on many occasions, had failed to fulfil  assurances especially in the field of sports. He urged that the government should take up sports ventures with sincerity to encourage the youths.

When queried on his diet regime, Hoshi disclosed that he took local organic products that  don’t hamper his strength and stamina. He also said that one needs a proper and balanced diet to keep healthy. Flex Appeal Gym, which is managed by Edward Belho, is where the gold medalist practices. 

When asked what prompted him to opt for arm-wrestling, Hoshi said he was impressed by a Chinese arm-wrestler from Shanghai named Peter Lu who had come to Japfü Christian College in Kigwema, to promote arm-wrestling. After that, Hoshi started participating in college arm-wrestling competitions  from 2003.

Keeping firm on the old saying, “Try, try again until you succeed,” Hoshi says, “One should demonstrate enough patience to reach one’s goals.” He also acknowledged the guidance he got from his teachers and coaches, and yes, by God’s leading.

Pointing out that Nagas have enough talent to deliver both at the national and international levels, Hoshi stressed on better infrastructure and good coaches. Vemugou Hoshi is the second son of Veniepa Hoshi of Phek village, in Phek district. He is a BA final year student of Mt. Olive College, Kohima.