Champion Pfusato Tetseo with his hands raised in the air is seen here with Rokosile Khawakrie, Mhasilhousie Nagi and Zaituo Tsukru who bagged the 2nd 3rd and 4th positions respectively. Also seen are tournament officials after the final match. (Kuzhovesa Soho Photo)
93 wrestlers competed for the coveted title
Kuzhovesa Soho
Kohima| March 15
Standing tall at 6 feet and weighing at 80 Kilograms, 19 year old Pfusato Tetseo representing the Chakhesang Wrestling Association (CWA) of K.Bawe Village under Phek District was crowned as the champion of the 8th Naga Open Wrestling Championship 2013 held on March 15 at Khuochiezuo, Kohima. Tetseo walked away with a cash prize of 1, 20,000/- along with a citation.
Rokosielie Khawakhrie of Mezoma Village, Mahsilhousie Nagi of Jotsoma Village and Zasituo Tsukru of Dihoma Village, all representing the Angami Sports Association (ASA) stood second, third and fourth respectively and pocketed a sum of 80,000/-, 50,000/- and 30,000/- respectively along with citations.
Pfusato Tetseo downed L. Rocky Poumai in the pre-quarter final and knocked downed Vitsoto Vitsu in the quarter final. He overcame Zasituo Tsukru in the semi final and was declared as the winner after defeating Rokosielie Khawakhrie in the final match.
Tetseo who made his maiden entry in the wrestling arena in 2012 has made a remarkable achievement by wining the coveted title of the King of the Ring Series and the Pfutsero Wrestling Championship in February and subsequently winning the 8th edition of the Naga Open Wrestling Championship 2013.
Out of 94 wrestlers registered, 93 wrestlers from CWA, ASA, ZWA; 3 from Poumai Naga and 1 from the Lotha community wrestle for the title.
Kropol Vitsu Advisor of ASA and Parliamentary Secretary for Information & Public Relation and Printing & Stationery, graced the opening ceremony as the chief guest while the Angami Public Organization (APO) President, K. Neingunyu Sekhose graced the closing ceremony as the guest of honour and gave away the prizes to the winners.
It must be noted that all 3 Poumai Nagas reached the pre-quarter final. 16 year old Thekhrusetuo Solo from Kohima Village was the youngest participant in the event. Zasituo Tsukru of Dihoma Village, Vitsoto Vitsu of Viswema Village, Lhusuta Swuro of Ruzhazo Village and Shedekho Hoshi of Phek Village were reported as the oldest players of the championship with the age of 35 years.
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