Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü is International Hornbill Naga Wrestling champ

Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 3

Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü retained the champion title of International Hornbill Naga Wrestling. In 15th International Hornbill Naga Wrestling Championship 2022 held here at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on December 3, he defeated strong opponent Venuzo Dawhuo to retain the champion title.

From Kohima village and representing Angami Sports Association (ASA), Pienyü pocketed a cash prize of Rs 1.20 lakh. 2nd place winner Venuzo Dawhuo from Thenyizu village and representing Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) received Rs 80,000.

Rukukhoto Khesoh from Yoruba village and Vemele Thingo from Thipuzu village, both from CWA stood 3rd and 4th position and awarded with Rs 40,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively.

Altogether 24 wrestlers from ASA, CWA and Zeliang Wrestling Association vied for the coveted champion title.
In the Amateur/Tourist Category, Rakhoveio Lumai from Phuba (Manipur), bagged the champion title and awarded with Rs 30,000.

Sentilong Imchen from Mongcheng of Mokockhung district stood second position and awarded with Rs 20,000.

Lao Jhekho from Saranamai (Manipur) and Limasunep Imchen from Mangmetong of Mokokchung district bagged 3th and 4th position and awarded with a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and Rs 5000 respectively.

This category witnessed participants from Power Gym Kohima, Kerela, Nepal, Mokokchung, Manipur, Bihar and Manchester (UK).

Earlier, Rengma Hoho president Pollem Tep graced the event and said that Nagas are trying their best to promote wrestling, which has been one of the rich cultural practices since their forefathers.

He thanked forefathers for promoting wrestling in their way till the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) took over, and added that the NWA has been striving to give their best to promote it. 

NWA president Dr. Haibe Zeliang said that Naga community is well known by the mainland on account of outstanding performance of wrestling particularly wrestling belt.

NWA vice president Dr. Dietho Koza administered oath to the wrestlers while NWA general secretary Vilekho Bio chaired the inaugural function.

The championship was conducted by NWA and supported by Nagaland Tourism as part of Hornbill Festival 2022.