Kevizhakho Suokhrie is 62nd WAYO wrestling champion

Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 6

Kevizhakho Suokhrie today emerged the champion title of 62nd Wrestling Meet 2026 of the Western Angami Youth Organisation (WAYO), held at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground).

31 years Kevizhakho, son of Vilakolie Suokhrie from Jotsoma village downed Seyiejalie Gwirie in final bout to emerge the champion title.

Standing 5’8 and weighing 90 kgs, he found final berth after overpowering Zasevikho Meyatsu in the semi finals.

He defeated Keneiselie Khawakhrie (Mezoma) in the quarter finals.

Kevizhakho was awarded with a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh, sponsored by Kekhrievor Kevichusa.

31 years Seyiejalie Gwirie, son of Satuo Gwirie from Jotsoma bagged the second position.

Standing 5’7 and weighing 85 kg, he secured final berth after defeating Sielie Chiisi in the semi finals and downed Khriesavito Nakhro (Jotsoma) in the quarter finals.

He pocketed a cash prize of Rs 60,000, sponsored by Andeep Modi.

26 years Sielie Chiisi, son of Cakieto Sirie of Mezoma village bagged the third position and received Rs 40,000, sponsored by Khotso Rürhie.

Standing 5’11 and weighing 78 kg, he defeated Seyiezhato Sano (Jotsoma) in the quarter finals.

Zasevikho Meyatsu, son of Methalhuvi Meyatsu from Mezoma stood 4th position and awarded with Rs 30,000, sponsored by Neinguvotuo Krose.

39 years Zasevikho Meyatsu, standing 5’11 and weighing 96 kg downed Kevinguzo Nagi (Sechii Zubza) in the quarter finals.

The losing quarter finalists- Kevinguzo Nagi, Seyiezhato Sano, Khriesavito Nakhro and Keneiselie Khawakhrie received cash prizes, sponsored by Melie Nakhro.

Thejasezo Sechii wins Under 15 champion
In Under 15 category, Thejasezo Sechii (Sechii Zubza) emerged the champion title and received Rs. 10,000, sponsored by Kekhrielhoukho Sano.

Metseilhoukho Zhiinyii (Sechii Zubza) bagged the second position and awarded with Rs.7000, sponsored by Viralhou Sechü.

Vimezoto Zinyii (Khonoma) stood third position and received Rs. 5000, sponsored by Ketoulhoukho Kuotsu.

4th position holder Vikohelie Khate (Khonoma) received Rs. 3000, sponsored by Mego Seyie.

Altogether 48 wrestlers under senior category and 16 wrestlers Under-15 category joined the meet.

12 qualified wrestlers for ASA meet
WAYO has announced 12 qualified wrestlers (Senior category) for the forthcoming ASA (Angami Sports Association) Wrestling Meet 2026, which includes; Kevizhakho Suokhrie, Seyiejalie Gwirie, Sielie Chiisi, Zasevikho Meyatsu,  Keneiselie Khawakhrie, Khriesavito Nakhro, Kevinguzo Nagi, Seyiezhato Sano, Visedelhou Chiisi, Mhiesilieto Kuotsu, Kezhalhoulie Savino and Rokolhouto Suokhrie.
Top four winners in Under 15 category will also represent WAYO at ASA meet in Under 15 category.

The team coach will be Seyielhukho Naprantsu. Team manager- Keleselhou Chiisi,  technical coach- Kekhriezo Nagi and team physio- Metsibizo Meyase.

Earlier, Kovi Meyase, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Nagaland and Theyievilie Suohumvü, president, Western Angami Public Organisation (WAPO) graced the event as the Special Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.

Patrons for the meet included; Ketholelie Terhüja, Megolho Dolie, Kedozokho Peseyie, Dievizo Nagi, Vikedosie Kruse, Rüüngutuo Sechü, Rovilhousie Miasalhou and Rajuselie Lhousa.

WAYO general secretary, Dr. Rü-ünguso Kuotsu chaired the inaugural programme while WAYO president, Pelesavi Rürhie delivered presidential address.

WAYO wrestling secretary, Megozokho Hesielie administered oath to the wrestlers.

The closing ceremony was chaired by WAYO Finance Secretary, Pekruzekho Casavi while vote of thanks was proposed by WAYO Vice President (Admn), Rokokhrielie Seiino.

Mhieserietuo Punyii officiated the meet as Match Commissioner. Referees and field judges included; Seyielhoukho Sechü (Chief Referee), Megorietuo Chase, Mhiesilie Rhitso, Khrietuolie Usou, Amos Kikhi, Kekhrie Yhoshü, Mozolie Semou and Neikho Kire. The Jury Board comprised Vilietuo Miasalhou, Thekruzoto Gwirie, Ketoulhoukho Kuotsu, Megozokho Hesielie and Rokovitso Whiso.