NWA 25th Anniversary Tournament Vechita is Naga Wrestling Champion

Our Correspondent Kohima | March 10   Vechita Khesoh, representing Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA), today emerged as champion of the 25th Anniversary Tournament of Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) here at Kohima Local Ground.   Amidst thunderous cheers from the capacity crowd of over 20,000, Vechita pocketed a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs. Standing at 6’2 and weighing 120 kg, the 30 year old from Yoruba village overpowered another 30 year old – Vekuzo Vezhii, of Khomi village (CWA) – in the final to lift the championship title. On his way to the final, Vechita downed Visietso Krose of Medziphema Village (Angami Sports Association) in the pre-quarter and Vetazo Veswuh of Suthozu Nagwu (CWA) in the quarter final before downing Keduovilie Zumu of Tuophema village (ASA) in the first semifinal. Runner-up Vekuzo Vezhii bagged a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakhs. Standing at 5’10 and weighing 96 kg, Vekuzo defeated Kiiveluto Venuh of Phek Village (CWA) in the pre-quarters and Er. Mhasilhousie Nagi of Jotsoma Village (ASA) in the quarterfinals before downing Surhonieyi Soho of Phek village (CWA) in the 2nd semifinal.  

Surhonieyi Soho, 32, grabbed third place while Keduovilie Zumu, 30, came fourth. They were awarded cash prizes of Rs. 2 lakhs and Rs. 1 lakh respectively.   Soho on his way to the semis defeated Visevo Zashiimo of Phesama village (ASA) in the pre-quarter and Vevolhu Swuro of Thenyizumi village (CWA) in the semis before losing out to the eventual runner-up in the semis. He then defeated Keduovilie Zumu in the fight for third prize.   Fourth place winner Zumu, meanwhile, was awarded a walk over in the pre-quarter after his opponent Megosier Khate of Khonoma Village (ASA) suffered an injury. He then downed Venuzo Dawhuo of Thenyizumi village (CWA) in the quarter final.   Quarter finalists Vevolhu Swuro (CWA), Venuzo Dawhuo (CWA), Er. Mhasilhousie Nagi (ASA) and Vetazo Veswuh (CWA) were each awarded Rs. 15,000 while pre-quarter finalists Megosier Khate (ASA), Visietso Krose (ASA), Ruovilhoulie Pier (ASA), Kiiveluto Venuh (CWA), Vizobeilie Punyii (ASA), Visevo Zashiimo (ASA), Vekutho Soho (CWA) and Zasevikho Meyatsu (ASA) were awarded Rs. 10,000 each.   Meanwhile, the CWA with 168 points emerged as group champion and pocketed Rs. 25,000. ASA stood runner-up in group category with 164 points.   Over 60 top wrestlers representing ASA, CWA and Zeliang Wrestling Association vied for the coveted championship title.  

CM calls for promoting Naga wrestling

  Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang today stressed on the need to popularize the traditional Naga wrestling. He said wrestling is one of the oldest sports in human history. “No wonder, wrestling is one of the most popular sports in the world,” he said adding that it is a simple sport which does not require any expensive equipment, or big playfield.   It can be played indoor and outdoor, by the rich and the poor, by the young and the old, he said while addressing the inaugural of the 25th Anniversary Tournament of Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) here at Kohima Local Ground.   Naga wrestling is really a very good and interesting sport which equally demands a good combination of both strength and skill, he said before adding that it is a healthy sport with relatively less rate of injuries. Earlier, unveiling of 25th tournament anniversary monolith was done at Phezhu, Jotsoma. NWA president Neikhrolo Khalo delivered presidential address. The function was chaired by organizing committee convenor Nuzota Swuro while lighting of tournament flag was done by NWA former president Er. Keneilhoulie Keditsu with NWA reigning champion Atoto Kire as torch bearer. NWA former president Keku Zeliang released the25th NWA tournament anniversary souvenir while NWA joint secretary Mosonyi Domeh administered oath to the wrestlers.   Meanwhile, free style wrestling (11th Senior & 3rd Sub-Junior) will take place on March 11 from 10am onwards. The closing ceremony has been scheduled at 3pm with Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources & Sports, Music Task Force and State Lotteries Khriehu Liezietsu as the guest of honour.