NWA 2026 champion Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü with others and officials on March 7. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 7
Defending champion Kezhaseluo-o Pienyü today retained his title at the 30th NWA Naga Traditional Wrestling Championship 2026, held at Khuochiezie, Kohima Local Ground under the aegis of the Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA).
27 years Pienyü, representing Angami Sports Association (ASA) downed Menuosietuo Yiese (ASA) in final bout to emerge the coveted champion title.
Son of Lt Thepfusanyü Pienyü (Kohima village), Kezhaseluo-o, has been awarded with a cash prize of Rs 6 lakh including a plot of land measuring 10,000 sq ft at Chümoukedima, donated by Tepuleho Pusa & family of Viswema village.
Pienyü secured final berth after defeating Venuzo Dawhuo of Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) in the 1st semi finals. He downed Kezhavizo Thevo (ASA) in the quarter-finals and Sasuyi Nyekha (CWA) in the pre- quarter finals.
Earlier, Pienyü defeated Pakinsongwibo of Zeliang Wrestling Association (ZWA) and Küvenü Puro (CWA) in the first and second round matches respectively.
Runner-up Menuosietuo Yiese (son of Lt Khrielatuo Yiese of Kohima village), awarded with a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh. 28 years Yiese overpowered Venu Vadeo (CWA) in the 2nd semi finals. He defeated Hülüyi D Vadeo (CWA) in the quarter finals and Vevokho Ruho (CWA) in the pre-quarter finals.
29 years old Venuzo Dawhuo bagged the 3rd position and pocketed a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.
Son of Nezohu Dawhuo (Thenyizu village), he downed Muleciyi Vadeo (CWA) and Seyiejalie Gwirie (ASA) in the pre-quarter and quarter finals respectively.
4th position holder Venu Vadeo (19 years), son of Zaseta Vadeo (Runguzu village) pocketed a cash prize of Rs 1.50 lakh. Vadeo defeated Sükhrure Domeh (CWA) in the pre-quarter finals and Atou Tevo (ASA) in the quarter finals.
Losing quarter finalists-Hülüyi D Vadeo (Sakraba village), Kezhavizo Thevo (Chedema village), Seyiejalie Gwirie (Jotsoma village) and Atou Tevo (Kidima village) received Rs 20,000 each.
Altogether, 54 top wrestlers from ASA, CWA and ZWA vied for the coveted champion title.
All the participants received Rs 10,000 each. CWA with 198 points has emerged the Group Champion and awarded with Rs 60,000.
