Kohima, December 7 (MExN): Defending champion Dzieselatuo Keretsü retained the championship belt of the coveted International Hornbill Naga Wrestling Championship here at the Amphitheatre in Naga Heritage Village, Kisama today. Dzieselatuo, who stands 5’11” tall and weighs 110 kgs, defeated Keduovilie Zumvu in the final of the 10th edition of the International Hornbill Naga Wrestling Championship. The 30-year old native of Kohima representing Angami Sports’ Association (ASA) walked away with a cash prize of Rs. 80,000 along with citation. Zumvu of Tuophema Village (ASA) received Rs. 50,000 along with citation. The two losing semifinalists – Vekuzo Vero of Ciepoketa Village (CWA) and Seketoukho Nipu of Sechüma Village (ASA) – received Rs. 20,000 each along with citations. Four losing quarterfinalists received Rs. 5,000 each while the 8 losing pre-quarter finalists were also awarded Rs. 2,000 each. Altogether, 35 wrestlers from 3 communities – viz., Angami, Chakhesang and Zeliang, vied for the championship. Rahul Soma Sundar, a tourist from Mumbai also competed in the championship. President, Tenyimia Public Organisation, Timikha Koza, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion encouraged wrestlers to take up the indigenous sport professionally. Terming it one of the oldest indigenous sports among the Tenyimia community, Koza described wrestling as a game which brings unity and good relationship among the communities. He explained that in earlier times, the sport was also used by forefathers to settle disputes. The event was organized by Nagaland Wrestling Association and sponsored by the Department of Tourism.
