Kezhaseluo-o Pienyii with other winners and officials. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 18
Twenty three years Kezhaseluo-o Pienyii today emerged the Angami wrestling champion title at the 50th Meet of Angami Sports Association (ASA) here at Khuochiezie.
Representing Northern Angami Sports Association (NASA), he defeated strong opponent Kezhavizo Thevo in the finals to emerge the champion title.
Belonging to Kohima village and son of Lt. Thepfusanyii Pienyii, he defeated Seyiejalie Gwirie of Jotsoma village from Western Angami Youth Organization (WAYO) in the pre-quarter finals.
Weighing 134 kg and standing 6’3, Kezhaseluo-o found semi final berth after defeating Kevizhakho Suokhrie of Jotsoma from WAYO in the quarter finals. He found final berth after defeating Vizakietuo Suohu in the semi finals. He will get a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh.
Runner-up Kezhavizo Thevo also from NASA found quarter final berth after defeating Keneinguzo Peseyie of Jotsoma from WAYO in the pre-quarter finals. Son of Neile-o Thevo of Chedema village, he defeated Medosatuo Paiinuo of Kijiimetouma village from NASA in the quarter finals.
24 years Thevo and standing 5’10 and weighing 99, defeated Mhasilhusie Nagi of Jotsoma village from WAYO in the semi finals. He will be awarded with a cash prize of Rs 1.20 lakh.
Third place winner Mhasilhusie Nagi (29) defeated Mezivil Kiso of Kidima village from Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) in the pre- quarter finals. Son of Neisakuo Nagi and standing 5’10 and weighing 93 kg, he downed Keviser Dziivichii of Kohima village from NASA in the quarter finals. He will be awarded with a cash prize of Rs 80,000.
4th place winner Vizakietuo Suohu (26) of Kohima village from NASA, defeated Kevisezo Nipu of Sechiima from WAYO in the pre-quarter. Son Late Khriesakeduo Suohu, standing 5’11 and 96 kg, he defeated Seyiesalie Nakhro of Piphema from Chakhroma Youth Organization (CYO) in the quarter finals. He will receive a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
Quarter finalists Medosatuo Paiinuo, Kevizakho Suokhrie, Keviser Dziivichii and Seyiesalie Nakhro will get Rs 10,000 each. Medosatuo Paiinuo defeated Lhouvikhoto Vakha of Khonoma from WAYO while Kevizakho Suokhrie defeated Seketoukho Nipu of Sechii Zubza from WAYO, Keviser Dziivichii overpowered Atuo Tevo of Kidima from SASA and Seyiesalie Nakhro defeated Seyieteiso Rutsa of Kohima village from NASA in pre-quarter finals.
Mhasilhusie Nagi has been declared as the best tactics.
NASA and WAYO with 76 points each were the joint holder of Group point champion and will get Rs. 1 lakh each. SASA with 71 and half points will get Rs. 60, 000 while CYO with 23 and haft points will receive Rs. 40,000.
All prizes will be given at the valedictory function on February 19.
‘Government serious about promoting sports’
Earlier, addressing the inaugural function, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said among all indigenous sports – Naga wrestling, although not played by all tribes “it is good to see that the Tenyimi community continues to practice the age-old game.”
Rio stressed on the need to promote the indigenous games by constituting an expert committee to review the existing rules and regulations and simplify it “so that the youngsters can learn the traditional games.”
Rio suggested inclusion of more indigenous games in sports meet with a focus to preserve and promote the culture and tradition. He said that Nagaland government is also serious about promoting sports and the potential and talented youngsters for which various infrastructures have been created including Nagaland Olympic Association office complex and Regional Centre for Sporting Excellence at Sovima.
He underscored the need to come up with more such centres in other districts beside Kohima and Dimapur. Rio expressed happiness that ASA has organised various disciplines to mark the week- long ASA 50th meet besides Naga wrestling. He suggested ASA to conduct category system such as light, medium and heavy weight to draw more participation.
Earlier, ASA Wrestling Secretary Visakrol Vitsu administered oath to 60 wrestlers. Angami Public Organization president Razouvotuo Chatsu shared greetings while ASA president Er. Lhoubeizo Kesiyie delivered presidential address. The event also witnessed demonstration of Phouse Kene. ASA auditor general Neisiesa Chiisi chaired the function.
Meanwhile, Naga wrestling (juniors) will take place on February 19. MLA Khriehu Liezietsu will be the guest of honour.
