Winner of Southern Angami 2nd Open Naga Wrestling Championship, organizers and officials on Febuary 5 at Viswema. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | February 5
Atuo Tevo from Kidima Village emerged as the champion of the Southern Angami 2nd Open Naga Wrestling Championship in the senior category. The event was organized by the Jordan Group, Viswema, and Khrietho Ketho at the John Government Higher Secondary School, Multi-Purpose Hall, Tewetso-Ozwü, Viswema, today.
In the junior category, Vidil Sachü, also from Kidima, claimed the championship title.
The competition saw 31 young wrestlers participating, with 23 in the senior category and 8 in the junior category, all representing Southern Angami villages.
Tevo, the senior category champion, took home a cash prize of Rs 80,000. In the final match, Tevo defeated his opponent, Neithongulie Kuotsu from Phesama Village, in two consecutive rounds.
Kuotsu was named the 1st runner-up and received Rs 60,000. Visekhol Mekro was awarded 2nd runner-up and earned Rs 40,000 after his opponent, Kevime Vitsu, was forced to withdraw due to an injury. Vitsu received Rs 20,000 as the fourth-place winner.
Quarter-finalists Kelengol Rhetso, Mhaneikholie Kuotsu, Savil Sachü, and Kelengol Kikhi each received Rs 5,000.
In the junior category (Under-16), Kidima Village dominated by securing all four titles. Vidil Sachü claimed first place, followed by Viletol Thol (second place), Visweyie Rote (third place), and Meyiekhoto Virha (fourth place). The winners were awarded cash prizes of Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000, Rs 10,000, and Rs 5,000, respectively.
In an interesting turn of events, the prizes distributed by the organizers, Jordan Group, were all in the form of Rs 10 coins, with the champion in the senior category receiving over 50 kilograms of coins.
During the inaugural session, special guest MLA and Chairman of DPDB Kohima, Dr Tseilhoutuo Ato Rhütso, emphasized that wrestling provides a powerful platform for fostering togetherness, friendship, unity, and harmony within the community.
Dr Rhütso commended Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his vision of promoting wrestling across the state and highlighted the government’s efforts to encourage district-wide participation, instead of allowing tribal divisions to hinder growth. He expressed how this approach would elevate Naga wrestling, giving athletes opportunities to pursue it both professionally and financially.
The MLA also stressed the importance of structured competition categories to boost the sport’s global appeal and potential for international recognition. He acknowledged the investments made by the state in sports infrastructure and urged for their proper maintenance to ensure long-term benefits.
Dr Rhütso encouraged the community to preserve Naga wrestling, emphasizing that experience and knowledge matter more than victory, and that these skills should be passed down to future generations.
Chaired by Jordan Group president Neisapi Pucho, the programme commenced with prayer by Viswema Baptist Church Saphrul Pucho while Chairman of Viswema Krüna Krotho Kruvil Kikhi pronounced traditional blessing.
Oath to the wrestlers was administered by Keseivi Mekro and vote of thanks was delivered by Kezhocho Mekro. Traditional war cry (meki) was presented by Nothul Pucho and Vileto Kennao.
