Atuo Tevo is 2nd SASA Wrestling meet champion

Morung Express news 
Kohima | February 8 
24 year old Atuo Tevo from Kidima Village emerged champion of the 62nd Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) Wrestling meet held today at Kimipfuphe Ground, Kigwema. 

He pocketed home Rs 80,000 as prize money of the senior Naga style wrestling event. Tevo was also champion of his village wrestling meet. 
Weighing 99 kgs, he defeated 28 year old Kekhrie Yhoshü in the final bout. 

Making several attempts to topple each other to the ground, the two final contenders held each other's waist binders for over 3 minutes making an intense game between the ring and thousand crowds witnessing the show. Both the finalists, regarded for their excellence in the Naga style wrestling and former SASA wrestling champions, the final match nonetheless saw a tough fight. 
After past 3 and half minutes, of the first round, the two wrestlers positioned each other for a top-down and Atuo, in green belt quickly took down his opponent to win the first match. 

Atuo Tevo took down Yhoshü in the 2nd match and retained the championship. 
Kekhrie Yhoshü, from Kigwema village weighing 100 kgs was declared runners up and took home Rs. 60,000. He was also 2nd position holder of Kigwema wrestling meet. 

In the 3rd place, 24 year old Ruokuovituo Lese from Mima village and weighing 78 kgs contended with 25 years old Kevidel Mekro, Viswema village weighing 88 kgs. Lese took down his opponent in both the first two matches to take the 3rd place. They were awarded Rs 40,000 and Rs 30,000 respectively. Quarter-finalists also received Rs 5000 each. 

Earlier, 34 wrestlers from the region representing different villages participated in the meet. Another exclusive arrangement made for this sports event was free chair were provided for elders, 70 years and above of the region.

During the inaugural programme held in the morning Dr Tsielhoutuo Ato Rhütso, 9th Kohima town AC MLA was the inaugural guest. Speaking about Naga Wrestling and the sports in general, he emphasised on enhancing prize money for the winners so that players of this discipline are able to make a living out of the game.

Rhütso acknowledged the sacrifices and contribution made by wrestlers. He said wrestlers give their best to play the game during the prime days of their lives and make many sacrifices. He called people to acknowledge the sacrifices too. 
The MLA said one of the fastest developing games was the belt wrestling which was played even at the international level and therefore since Nagas were already gifted in wrestling it should not pose much of a challenge to players and called for taking the games to next level. 

Another game, he mentioned was that Nagas were gifted was shooting. Rhütso urged players to invest in these two games and be able to make a living out of it.

He also spoke about election and franchise and opined that our people should vote for honest and dedicated legislators while not falling for money and power. 

As part of the 3-day 62nd SASA meet, the event will also host the 3rd Edition of Dzükou Cup 2024 which will begin today. Teams representing the 13 villages of the region will participate in Men's Football and Volleyball for both men and women. 

Kevipodi Sophie, MLA of 14th Southern Angami-1 AC will be the closing guest. Other guests during the 3 days sports meet are Former Southern Angami Public Organization President, Neiketou Kiso and Brigadier Sandeep Kapoor, Commander, 44 Mountain brigade.